Exciting things are happening at GIG. Learn about our events, activities, and where we are making news.

 

Governor Jay Inslee Proclaims May 16 Celiac Disease Awareness Day in Washington State

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organization, has announced that Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed May 16 Celiac Disease Awareness Day in the state – the same day as International Celiac Disease Awareness Day. According to Gov. Inslee’s proclamation, celiac is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects an estimated 2 million Americans, many of whom are undiagnosed. This genetic autoimmune disease, currently only treatable by a gluten-free diet, harms the small intestine and restricts the body from taking in nutrients.

 

GIG Cares Presents: MiniCon 2023

If you are in the Pacific Northwest, please join us at our 2023 MiniCon on April 29th in Tacoma, WA.

 

Gluten Intolerance Group Hosts Panel on Trends Driving Growth in the Gluten-free Market at Natural Products Expo West

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organization, will be hosting a discussion at Natural Products Expo West about the consumer lifestyles, food trends and choices that are now contributing to the gluten-free category’s value and ongoing growth. GIG will present “Consumer Trends & Growth Opportunities: What’s Next in Gluten Free” on Thursday, March 9 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the Marriott, Platinum Ballroom 5. The discussion will be moderated by New Hope Network and include representatives from  GIGGIG CaresSPINS, Healthy Edge Retail Group, Tribe 9 Foods and food distributor, UNFI.

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Opens up the Floor for Questions on Living

WHEN: February 28th, 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organizations, invites consumers to take advantage of a free virtual education event featuring a team of experts in the gluten-free field. The event, “Insights & Information to Inspire Your Gluten-Free Life,” is being held February 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET and will include a Q&A session during which consumers can get answers to their most pressing questions on navigating a gluten-free lifestyle.

Virtual Event: Insights & Information to Inspire Your Gluten-Free Life

WHEN: February 28th, 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST

Whether you have questions in one area or all three, we’ve got the event for you. You’ll have the opportunity to submit your questions in advance and hear directly back from the experts.   Among the many topics which may be addressed are: traveling, getting all the nutrients you need while enjoying your gluten-free diet, avoiding cross-contact, social support, adapting to changed relationships, eating out, and getting appropriate medical follow-up.

Virtual Event: Is There Gluten in That Food? The Ins and Outs of Testing

WHEN: December 8th, 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST

How do you know the food you eat is gluten-free? Most of us look for a gluten-free label or certification mark on packaged foods, but may not be aware of what is behind that labeling. Testing is an important part of the process.  Our expert panelists will explain the details of testing to give you a better understanding of how it helps assure that your gluten-free food is safe.  We’ll also discuss special considerations that impact how to interpret results of personal test kits used for prepared foods.

GIG® Showcases the Benefits of Gluten-free Certification for Natural Products at Expo East 2022

AUBURN, Wash. (September 22, 2022)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organizations, will be at Natural Products Expo East showcasing its Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) program, a leading gluten-free certification program with more than 60,000 products certified worldwide. The tradeshow, being held September 28 – October 1 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, unites the leading producers and retail buyers of healthy, natural and organic products to share the latest products, trends and innovations in the food and consumer packaged goods industry.

Virtual Event: Navigating the Money Challenges of Eating Gluten-Free – Sept 21

Wow!! Have you seen the prices of food lately? If you or a loved one is eating gluten-free, you may be facing even more challenges finding affordable food.

What can you do? Well, here’s what we did! To answer that question, we’ve put three gluten-free eaters—our panelists—to the test of purchasing gluten-free food on a budget.

We gave each panelist $100 each and asked them to see how far they could stretch it.

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and GIG Cares Host “A Night to Care” Gala Virtual Auction to Expand GIG Cares Support for Those Living Gluten-free

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organizations and GIG Cares, a nonprofit organization tackling challenges facing the gluten-free community, is hosting a “A Night to Care,” a virtual gala auction to raise funds to support a variety of programs for families living gluten-free. The auction will be held online from 10am on August 27th to 10pm on August 28. The virtual event’s goal is to raise funds to expand GIG Cares initiatives that include GIG Cares’ Cutting Costs food relief program, providing GFCO-certified gluten-free food to families in need.

Amid High Food Prices and Inflation, GIG Cares Fights Food Insecurity in the Gluten-free Community

GIG Cares, an independent nonprofit organization tackling the challenges facing the gluten-free community, is experiencing a rise in demand for its Cutting Costs food assistance program. The program ships monthly boxes of gluten-free food to those facing food insecurity. The sharp demand for the food boxes is driven by the high cost of gluten-free foods due to rising inflation in the wake of the pandemic and other major global events.

The Natural View: Gluten Intolerance Group Leadership Spotlight

In this special leadership series, we’re getting to know industry veterans and changemakers. Cynthia Kelly, CEO of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), and Channon Quinn, COO of GIG and Executive Director of GIG Cares, share the organization’s mission, milestones, and more!

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Highlights Importance of Food Label Transparency During Celiac Awareness Month

AUBURN, Wash. (May 25, 2022)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the industry leader in gluten-free food safety, is recognizing Celiac Awareness Month throughout May by reinforcing the importance of label transparency on food products, which is crucial for those with celiac disease and others in the gluten-free community. Among the U.S. population, 3 million people have celiac disease, a medical condition that requires a strict gluten-free diet. Additionally, research conducted by GIG in 2021 indicates that 7% of U.S. shoppers are rigidly restricting gluten in their homes while 23% of shoppers are avoiding gluten in their homes. Consumers living gluten-free rely on the accuracy of food labels to ensure the item is safe to eat. However, many products have labels and ingredient lists with misleading information about gluten content. For those with celiac disease, just a tiny amount of gluten may cause serious illness.

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) to Participate in “Running From Gluten 5K” Benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital Celiac Disease Program

AUBURN, Wash. (May 20, 2022)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organizations, continues its celebration of May’s Celiac Awareness Month by participating as a beneficial partner in Running From Gluten 5K, a run and walk to raise awareness about celiac disease. The event benefits The Celiac Guild, a volunteer-driven organization committed to the patients and families of Seattle Children’s Hospital Celiac Disease Program, which provides care to more than 500 children in the Pacific Northwest. The race will take place at Magnuson Park in Seattle on Saturday, May 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A virtual event will also be held Saturday, May 21 to Sunday, May 22, where participants can run or walk on their own at any place and time of their choosing during the weekend.

Chef preparing a dish

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Highlights Value of Protecting Gluten-free Consumers at National Restaurant Association Show 2022

AUBURN, Wash. (May 17, 2022)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the industry leader in gluten-free food safety, will share knowledge about the value of offering safe, gluten-free food during the National Restaurant Association Show 2022 from May 21-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Show draws restaurant owners and operators interested in emerging trends, unique ingredients and technology innovations. Given that May is Celiac Awareness Month, GIG cites it is excited to have this opportunity to highlight the challenges of living with celiac disease, where avoiding even a trace of gluten is the dietary requirement to remaining healthy. At the event, the company will be showcasing its educational resources and sharing information about accessing safe gluten-free products by choosing those certified by its Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) program and how to receive gluten-free validation through GIG’s Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program.

GIG Announces Speakers for Generation GF Teen Summit at Culinary Institute of America at Copia

AUBURN, Wash. (May 11, 2022)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organizations, announces that two well-known influencers in the gluten-free community will be speaking at the 2022 Generation GF Teen Summit being held June 30-July 1 at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia in Napa, California. Jules Shepard, CEO and founder of gfJules, a major U.S. gluten-free flour and baking mixes company, and Erica Dermer, a digestive health expert, blogger and influencer who runs the Celiac and the Beast blog, will join the event’s educational sessions for campers and families.

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Celebrates May’s Celiac Awareness Month by Spotlighting Ways to Make Life Easier for Those Living Gluten-free

During the month of May, GIG will highlight the unique challenges of living with celiac disease, where avoiding even a trace of gluten is the dietary requirement to remaining healthy. The month of May also marks two notable dates for GIG and the celiac community: International Celiac Awareness Day on May 16 and the anniversary of GIG’s founding on May 17, GIG’s 48th year of advocating for the gluten-free community.

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) May Virtual Learning Event Welcomes Mayo Clinic Gastroenterologist Dr. Joe Murray to Share Knowledge on Safe Gluten-free Living

May 3 at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

The event will bring together experts who have a deep understanding of the complexities related to inadvertent ingestion of gluten, something which can occur even when individuals are trying to avoid it. The one-hour session, “Staying Safely Gluten-free: At Home and Beyond,” kicks off May’s Celiac Awareness Month. Moderated by GIG’s education specialist, Lola O'Rourke, MS, RDN, the panel will feature Dr. Joe Murray, a gastroenterologist from the Mayo Clinic.

Staying Safely Gluten-Free: At Home and Beyond

May 3rd, 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST 

You know the sources of gluten, are familiar with gluten-free alternatives and are feeling good. What else do you need to know for optimal health?  How can you avoid even tiny amounts of gluten? What do you do when gluten accidentally gets into that “gluten-free” food you’re eating?  

Our experts will provide information about the science behind “getting glutened” and pro tips on avoiding cross-contact (also known as cross-contamination) with gluten in and outside of your home. 

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)’s Generation GF Teen Summit Offers an Immersive Two-day Gluten-free Chef Camp at The Culinary Institute of America

AUBURN, Wash. (March 16, 2022)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organizations, announces the opening of registration for the 2022 Generation GF Teen Summit being held at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia in Napa, California, June 30-July 1, 2022.

Gluten Intolerance Group Focuses on Making Life Easier for Living Gluten-free in 2021

AUBURN, Wash. (February 17, 2022)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organizations, is preparing for another strong year after executing a host of initiatives in 2021 designed to meet GIG’s mission to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free. This included supporting GIG’s business and nonprofit partners, who play a role in driving GIG’s mission forward.

Gluten Intolerance Group Announces 2022 Generation GF Kids’ Summer Camps

GIG now Accepting Applications for Camp Scholarships   

AUBURN, Wash. (January 25, 2022)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to people who have adopted a gluten-free diet, has announced its 2022 Generation GF summer camp dates and locations and is now accepting applications for camp scholarships. Funded by contributions from GIG’s Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) food certification program, the scholarships allow children and teens to enjoy a fun-filled summer of social and outdoor activities in a safe, healthy environment. This is especially important for kids with gluten intolerance because they often fear dining out at cafeterias; they can trust that the food served at these camps is truly gluten-free. For those with celiac disease, even a trace amount of gluten can cause illness.

Celiac Disease & NCGS: Today and into the Future with Dr. Stefano Guandalini

AUBURN, Wash. (January 12, 2022)—The nonprofit Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the industry leader in the certification of gluten-free products and foodservices, announces its first GIG Virtual Learning Event of 2022, which will cover topics of interest to those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or who are looking to get tested. The event, “Celiac Disease & NCGS: Today and into the Future with Dr. Stefano Guandalini,” will be held on Tuesday, January 18 at 8:00 p.m. EST and will be available to anyone to attend through free registration.

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Announces the Formation of GIG Cares

New Nonprofit Organization Fights Food Insecurity and Promotes Gluten-free Advocacy

AUBURN, Wash. (November 29, 2021)—Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the industry leader in the certification of gluten-free products and foodservices, announces the formation of GIG Cares, a separate nonprofit organization whose mission is to fight food insecurity, while promoting gluten-free education and advocacy. GIG Cares will expand the work of Cutting Costs for Celiacs, a charity GIG partnered with earlier this year that previously served Wisconsin by promoting affordable gluten-free eating initiatives.

Reading labels in the grocery aisle

How to Save Money Going Gluten-Free

Some gluten-free foods can be pricey. Keep your grocery bill stable by focusing on fresh produce and inexpensive staples.

GIG recently conducted its own survey and found that 78% of people said that the cost of gluten-free foods is the greatest challenge they face. “However, there are ways to keep the costs down. GIG is preparing to launch a new initiative to address food insecurity in the gluten-free community,” O’Rourke says.
NASN logo

How to Recognize Gluten Sensitivity in Children at Virtual NASN2021

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)’s education coordinator, Lola O’Rourke, MS, RDN, presented Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity in School-age Kids: Symptoms, Prevalence and Support Resources at the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) virtual conference, an annual event that brings together school nurses and others in the school community. O’Rourke discussed the importance of recognizing possible signs of gluten sensitivity in children. Those who registered for the event will have access to O’Rourke’s presentation until Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Celiac Awareness Month

It’s Celiac Awareness Month!

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease where consuming gluten results in a damaging, inflammatory autoimmune reaction that affects the intestine and virtually any other part of the body. Celiac Disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide – yet approximately 50% do not know they have this autoimmune disease. Help us spread awareness during Celiac Awareness Month!

GIG and Cutting Costs for Celiacs

Partnership Between GIG and Cutting Costs for Celiacs

We are excited to announce a partnership between GIG and Cutting Costs for Celiacs, a nonprofit organization that helps families below the poverty line afford gluten-free food. Cutting Costs for Celiacs was founded in 2013 to serve Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The partnership with GIG will make it possible to expand the vision of the local organization’s founder, Lexie Van Den Heuvel. 

Food and Drug Administration logo

NEW FDA RULE ON GLUTEN-FREE LABELING

The FDA has issued a final rule on gluten-free labeling of fermented, hydrolyzed or distilled foods. This will affect gluten-free labeling on products such as soy sauce, yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles, cheese, green olives, hydrolyzed proteins used as flavor enhancers, and beers regulate d by the FDA (which are those made from gluten-free grains).

The main points of this ruling are in line with GFCO’s own policies for certifying fermented, hydrolyzed and distilled products, and include:

  • Any product labeled gluten-free that is fermented or hydrolyzed during processing must be made from starting materials that are gluten-free.
  • Distilled products made from gluten grains may be labeled gluten-free, as long as testing can demonstrate that the distillation process was effective at removing residual proteins to a level below the gluten-free labeling threshold (20 ppm for the FDA, and 10 ppm for GFCO).

This ruling was essential because the most common gluten testing methods are ineffective at detecting gluten in fermented or hydrolyzed products. This will help to ensure that all fermented and hydrolyzed products labeled gluten-free have either started with gluten-free raw materials, or have been distilled to remove any remaining proteins.

GFFS old logo to new

Gluten Intolerance Group Rebrands GFFS Gluten-free Restaurant and Foodservice Safety Program as Validated Gluten Free Safe Spots

AUBURN, Wash. (August 12, 2020)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), an industry leader in the certification of gluten-free products and food services, is enhancing the branding of its Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS). GFFS, which audits and validates restaurants and food businesses that serve gluten-free food, is launching a newly designed logo and signage that designates establishments as “Validated Gluten Free Safe Spots.” The new and easily identifiable Safe Spots logo and signage, which establishments can display at locations, on menus and on their websites, is designed to give gluten-free consumers a simple way to ensure they will receive gluten-free food that meets the nonprofit GFFS’s rigorous standards and expectations for safety. Additionally, GFFS has launched a new website that features a locator map to help gluten-free consumers conveniently search for validated Safe Spots.

 

Logos of Gluten Free Organizations

Temporary label requirement changes by FDA may impact the status of gluten-free food

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA is allowing manufacturers to make minor changes in packaged food ingredients without updating ingredient lists to reflect these changes. A letter submitted to the FDA, which GIG has co-signed with Gluten-Free Watch Dog, National Celiac Association, Beyond Celiac, Society for the Study of Celiac Disease, and the Celiac Community Foundation of Northern California, expresses our concerns as a community.

Introducing the GFCO Global Certification Mark

GIG is thrilled to announce that the GFCO gluten-free certification mark is getting a new look! Coming soon to a package near you.

Introducing GIG's GF Community Network!

The gluten-free community is strong, powerful—and in our opinion, in need of greater unity. As a guiding force in the gluten-free community, the Gluten Intolerance Group is developing this network to work together for information-sharing, to build comradery, and powerful team efforts. We are stronger together. Is your interest piqued? Let’s dive in. 

Shopping in a grocery store aisle

Growing Recognition of the Value of Gluten-free Certification Leads to 103 Products from 21 Brands

AUBURN, Wash. (Jan. 2020)—In the last two months of 2019, a wide variety of desserts, spreads, beverages, breads, sauces and snacks were certified gluten-free by Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), one of the world’s leading gluten-free certification programs. Through the months of November and December, GFCO certified 103 products from 21 brands. Products carrying the GF logo represent the unmatched reliability for meeting strict gluten-free standards due to GFCO’s stringent desk audits of ingredients and suppliers with regular on-site inspections and monitoring of test results to ensure standards are met. GFCO’s GF logo stands for independent verification of quality, integrity and purity of products.

Talking on mobile device

Generation GF Teen Mentor Project

CALLING ALL GLUTEN-FREE TEENS--BIG NEWS! Announcing the launch of our GLUTEN-FREE TEEN MENTOR PROJECT coming in 2020! Are you a teen interested in mentoring other kids and teens about living gluten-free? Do you love talking to and helping others? Looking for a volunteering opportunity? If the answer is yes, fill out our form. A huge shout out to Jones Dairy Farm for sponsoring this exciting new initiative! Are you interested in being mentored? Fill out this form.

Reading labels in the grocery aisle

More Gluten-Free Trendy Flavors: 123 Food and Drink Products Receive Certification from Gluten Intolerance Group’s GFCO Program in September and October

AUBURN, Wash. (11/2019)—During this fall, a wide variety of snacks, proteins and drink mixes with trendy flavors, from blood orange to pumpkin spice, were officially certified as gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). From September through October, GFCO certified 123 products from 15 brands. More leading food manufacturers continue to commit to providing safe foods for those following a gluten-free diet through offering high-quality, reliable gluten-free products. GFCO’s stringent review process includes plant audits, equipment testing, risk assessment and product testing in the plant and at the point of purchase.