Information on wheat, gluten, and product labeling: a guide
In the bustling world of Minnesota's cottage food industry, producers are required to adhere to specific labeling regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers, particularly those with wheat allergies and celiac disease.
As a Minnesota-registered cottage food producer, you must follow allergen labeling requirements. If your product contains any form of wheat, you must clearly state the common name "wheat" on the ingredient list or in a separate allergen statement on the label. This is not only to build trust with your customers but also to protect those with serious health concerns.
For gluten-free labeling compliance, producers must meet the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) regulations. The FDA requires that any food labeled "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a standard safe for people with celiac disease and wheat allergies. Gluten must be declared on ingredient labels if present or if the food contains wheat as an ingredient, with clear allergen statements (“Contains wheat”) under FDA regulations.
Minnesota cottage food producers are exempt from licensing requirements that other food manufacturers must meet, but food safety regulations still apply. Producers are required to follow the Minnesota Food Code and applicable federal regulations, although explicit allergen labeling details for cottage foods are not specified in the search results. It is recommended to contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) directly for detailed, current regulations specific to allergens and gluten-free claims.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which consuming gluten causes the immune system to attack the small intestine, leading to damage over time. Common symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Gluten intolerance, also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, can cause similar symptoms. The exact mechanism responsible for gluten intolerance symptoms remains unclear.
For news media, permission is granted to republish the news articles with credit to University of Minnesota’s website. Images from the University of Minnesota’s website may also be republished, with specific photographer credits or limited use restrictions in the photo title.
The website food safety educator for the University of Minnesota is Autumn Stoll. For more information on allergen labeling for cottage food items, visit the "Labeling Cottage Food Items" webpage.
In conclusion, for Minnesota cottage food producers, clear and accurate labeling is crucial to protect consumers with wheat allergies or celiac disease and to comply with federal allergen labeling requirements. To stay informed about the latest regulations, contact the MDA directly.
[1]: Minnesota Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Cottage Foods. Retrieved from https://www.mda.state.mn.us/food/cottage-foods [4]: Minnesota Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Cottage Foods: Labeling Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.mda.state.mn.us/food/cottage-foods/labeling-requirements
- In the realm of health and wellness, clear labeling of food and drink products is essential, especially for Minnesota's cottage food producers aiming to cater to consumers with medical-conditions like wheat allergies and celiac disease.
- To comply with federal regulations, such as those set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Minnesota cottage food producers must adhere to specific gluten-free labeling requirements, which limit gluten content to less than 20 parts per million (ppm).
- For those interested in fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle, understanding the importance of food-and-drink labeling, particularly for those with specific requirements, can contribute to maintaining overall health-and-wellness as well as promoting a culture of responsibility in the food industry.
