File #: Res 0689-2011    Version: * Name: United States FDA to make “gluten-free” labeling of foods mandatory.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Health
On agenda: 3/2/2011
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the United States Food and Drug Administration to make “gluten-free” labeling of foods mandatory.
Sponsors: Daniel Dromm , Gale A. Brewer, G. Oliver Koppell, Rosie Mendez, Michael C. Nelson, Diana Reyna, Deborah L. Rose, Jumaane D. Williams, Jessica S. Lappin
Council Member Sponsors: 9
Res. No. 689
 
 
Resolution calling on the United States Food and Drug Administration to make "gluten-free" labeling of foods mandatory.
 
 
By Council Members Dromm, Brewer, Koppell, Mendez, Nelson, Reyna, Rose, Williams and Lappin
 
Whereas, The number of Americans with celiac disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the small intestine and gluten intolerances has been estimated to be 1 in 133; and
Whereas, Celiac disease is triggered by ingesting certain proteins, commonly referred to as "gluten" which is naturally present in some cereal grains; and
Whereas, In those suffering from celiac disease gluten causes a variety of serious health problems including: iron deficiency anemia, delayed puberty, infertility, osteoporosis, hepatitis, peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, and epilepsy; and
Whereas, The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule to make "gluten-free" labeling voluntary for food product manufacturers; and
Whereas, The proposed rule seeks to define "gluten-free" for food labeling purposes in order to ensure that consumers know what is in the food products they purchase; and
Whereas, There is no regulatory definition of the term "gluten-free" in the United States; and
Whereas, However, a standardized definition of the term "gluten-free" would assist food product manufacturers by providing them with a clear definition of the term, thereby eliminating any uncertainty as to how they may label their products; and
Whereas, A standardized definition of the term "gluten-free" can serve to
protect the public health by providing consumers with celiac disease, and others who must avoid gluten in their diet, with the assurance that food products bearing this labeling meet a clear standard established and enforced by FDA; and
Whereas, For those who must closely monitor the potential use of gluten in their diets, the mandatory labeling of foods as "gluten-free" would help those individuals better regulate their diets; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Food and Drug Administration to make "gluten-free" labeling of foods mandatory.
 
 
FCC
LS #2012
2/18/11