Calgary Chapter, Canadian Celiac Association What The Government Has to Offer

Proposed New Labelling Requirements The proposed legislation announced 23 July 2008 introduces new labelling requirements for food allergens, gluten sources and added sulphites contained in pre-packaged foods. Components of ingredients that were previously exempt will require declaration of gluten content. A standardized method of declaration will be established, providing consistency of labelling.

Current GF Regulation The requirement for a gluten-free product, as stated in Canada’s Food and Drug Regulations (B ) is as follows: No person shall label, package, sell or advertise a food in a manner likely to create an impression that it is a gluten-free food unless the food does not contain wheat, including spelt and kamut, or oats, barley, rye or triticale or any part thereof.

When You Know It’s Misrepresented Products sold in Canada must meet the gluten-free standard. Draw their attention to the GF standard (It’s on the Calgary website: Defining Gluten-Free in Canada) Report products being sold that do not meet this regulation to a Manufactured Food Officer of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (You’ll be redirected to a local agent.)

Identifying the Product and Concern The food inspection agency needs accurate information: The product label or a clear description of the product (define it) The product itself (freeze it) Representative advertising (photograph it) Date, time, location of the event, and the name of the person representing the product (diarize it)

The CCA is NOT a Food Inspection Agency Please don’t call the Celiac Association, local or national to FIX it. There is little the association can do to assist, other than provide this same information. The government inspectors have the training, skill and equipment to properly address the concern. DO TAKE ACTION – your safety is our collective safety. Share the information with the local chapter.

Tax Relief for GF Foods The tax relief currently available is the use of the differential food cost as a medical expense. (Some employee benefit packages allow the cost to be claimed through their health care spending account.) You must keep all receipts and be able to verify the differential food costs through equivalent cost comparisons. (Lots of record keeping.) The differential food cost is only a benefit if you have significant medical costs. (If you have a $50,000 taxable income, the deductible from medical expenses is $1,500.) BUT Your work is their work