The Trump administration is considering implementing new regulations that would require food packaging to disclose whether products contain gluten, according to a recently released “Make America Healthy Again” strategy report. The report, which outlined various policy ideas aimed at improving children’s health, highlighted the importance of disclosing ingredients that impact certain health conditions, such as gluten for individuals with Celiac disease, and other established food allergens.
Currently, companies in the United States can voluntarily disclose when their products are gluten-free, but there is no requirement to indicate when gluten is present. This proposed regulation could potentially lead to costly packaging redesigns for companies in order to comply with the new labeling requirements. It may also pave the way for additional disclosure requirements for other ingredients in the future.
Although gluten is not considered a major allergen, wheat – which contains gluten – is. Countries like New Zealand and Australia already have regulations in place that require the disclosure of gluten in food products. In the U.S., companies are only mandated to disclose the presence of one of nine major allergens.
The “Make America Healthy Again” report emphasizes the importance of research and collaboration with the private sector over strict regulation. However, it does hint at the possibility of implementing certain rules, such as the gluten disclosure requirement and restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children.
The report contains a total of 128 strategies covering a wide range of topics, including the FDA’s efforts to define ultraprocessed foods and eliminate the GRAS ingredient approval process. While some critics have expressed concerns about the report favoring voluntary industry action over regulation, proponents argue that it provides a balanced approach to addressing public health concerns.
Overall, the proposed gluten disclosure requirement is just one of many initiatives outlined in the report aimed at promoting healthier food choices and improving children’s health outcomes. As the Trump administration continues to explore these policy ideas, it will be important to monitor how these potential regulations may impact the food industry and consumer choices in the future.
