Certified Gluten Free

Many manufacturers are catering to the growing gluten free consumer market by pursuing gluten free certification for their products.  There are three organizations that offer this certification.  The three are Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO), the Celiac Sprue Association(CSA), and the National Foundation for Celiac awareness(NFCA). 

The programs have different standards and test for different levels of gluten in the foods they certify.
The first one, GFCO and the last one NFCA tests foods to make sure they contain less than 10 ppm of gluten.  The second one CSA requires foods to have less than 5 ppm and also free of oats.   Applying and receiving gluten free certification, can cost money for audits, inspections, and testing. These companies are often committed to the gluten free world.

So if a food carries a Certified Gluten Free seal, does it mean people with Celiac disease can trust its label and eat it safely?  Generally speaking yes, the manufacturer has gone through the trouble and expense to have the product Certified, its most likely that the manufacturer will adhere to the guidelines. 

Buying certified gluten free increases your odds of avoiding a reaction to any foods.  The certification is a tool to help you judge new products.  In the end, its how your own body reacts, that is the final verdict.