Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has called for submissions on a proposal aimed at ensuring gluten free claims can continue to be made on alcohol products.
FSANZ CEO Steve McCutcheon said gluten free claims on alcohol can currently be made but will no longer be permitted when a nutrition and health claims standard becomes mandatory in January 2016.
“FSANZ developed this Proposal in response to concerns raised by manufacturers of gluten free products and coeliac organisations,” said McCutcheon.
“We recognise that it’s important for consumers with coeliac disease to have access to labelling that allows them to avoid gluten.”
“This proposal will affect products with more than 1.15% alcohol by volume, including some soy sauces and essences.”
“FSANZ welcomes comments from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community on this application.”
The closing date for submissions is December 24, 2014.
