The following information is intended to be used as a preliminary guide for those who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Not all aspects of the gluten-free diet are as clear cut as portrayed here. For additional details about the gluten-free diet, consult with a knowledgeable dietitian and go to the Resources section of the Gluten Intolerance Group website, www.gluten.org.

Individuals with gluten-related disorders (celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or dermatitis herpetiformis, which is the skin manifestation of celiac disease) must avoid gluten for health reasons. Gluten is the generic name for certain types of proteins found in the common cereal grains wheat, barley, rye and their derivatives. When individuals with celiac disease ingest gluten, an immune response occurs which damages the lining of the small intestine. Even very small amounts of gluten can cause problems, and this is true whether or not obvious symptoms are present. In the case of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (also known as “gluten sensitivity”), it is not believed that damage to the small intestine occurs, but gluten must still be avoided.

• The following grains and ingredients derived from these gluten-containing grains must be removed from the diet:
  • Wheat – Includes varieties such as: durum, spelt, emmer, farina, farro, and einkorn.
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Triticale, a cross-breed of wheat and rye
• Choose naturally gluten-free grains and flours, including rice, corn, soy, potato, tapioca, beans, sorghum, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, cassava, coconut, arrowroot, amaranth, teff, flax, chia, yucca, and nut flours.
  Research indicates that pure, uncontaminated oats consumed in moderation (up to ½ cup dry rolled oats daily) are tolerated by most people with celiac disease. Choose uncontaminated oats that are certified gluten-free, and consult with your physician or dietitian before including oats in the diet.
• Other naturally gluten-free foods are fruits & vegetables; fresh meats, poultry & fish; legumes, nuts & seeds, and plain dairy products. These foods in their pure forms are gluten-free. Processed/flavored versions may have gluten-containing ingredients.
• Gluten-free substitutes for foods commonly made with wheat are widely available at mainstream and health food stores, direct from gluten-free food manufacturers and from Internet sites.
• Distilled alcoholic beverages, distilled vinegars, and wine may be safely included in the gluten-free diet. Most beers, ales, lagers, malted beverages, and other fermented beverages are made from gluten-containing grains and are NOT gluten-free. Beers made from gluten-free grains, such as sorghum, are gluten-free.

Reading Food Labels
An important part of successfully following a gluten-free diet is reading packaged food labels carefully. This includes “gluten-free” claims on packages, as well as product ingredient lists. Since ingredients can change at any time, it’s important to read labels every time you shop.

1. CERTIFIED
A product which carries a 3rd party gluten-free certification such as that of GIG’s Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), is considered safe for gluten-free consumers. If a product is certified gluten-free, you can stop at this step.

2. LABELED
If a product is not certified gluten-free but bears a “gluten-free” claim (and is regulated by the FDA *) it is considered safe to consume. The FDA gluten-free labeling regulation also applies to products labeled “no gluten,” “free of gluten,” or “without gluten”.

3. INGREDIENTS
For products which are neither certified nor labeled gluten-free, it is essential to read the ingredient list.  If any of the following are present on the ingredient list, the product is not gluten-free:

Wheat ** (including all types of wheat such as spelt)
Rye
Barley
Oats unless certified gluten-free
Malt
Brewer’s yeast

*FDA and USDA
The FDA gluten-free labeling regulation is a part of FALCPA (the “Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act”). FALCPA applies to FDA-regulated products only. The FDA regulates the vast majority of packaged foods. The USDA regulates meats, poultry, egg products and mixed products which generally contain more than 3% raw or 2% cooked meat (e.g. some soups and frozen entrees). Products regulated by the USDA are not required to comply with FALCPA, but an estimated 80-90% do so voluntarily.

**Looking for wheat on ingredient labels
FALCPA requires that the top 8 allergens be clearly identified, wheat being one of them. Derivatives of wheat such as “modified food starch” must clearly indicate that “wheat” is the source when this is the case.

If there is any doubt about whether a USDA regulated product is complying with FALCPA labeling, the following ingredients may be derived from wheat and need to be avoided or investigated: starch, food starch, modified food starch, dextrin.

Cross-Contamination in Food Preparation

It is essential when preparing gluten-free foods to prevent cross-contamination with foods containing gluten. Cross-contamination can occur if foods are prepared on common surfaces, or with utensils that are not thoroughly cleaned after preparing gluten-containing foods. Using hard to clean equipment for both gluten-free and gluten-containing foods is one potential source of contamination. Toasters, strainers and flour sifters should not be shared. Deep-fried foods cooked in oil also used to cook breaded products should be avoided. Spreadable condiments in shared containers may also be a source of contamination. When a person dips into a condiment such as mustard, mayonnaise, jam, peanut butter or margarine a second time with the knife used for spreading, the condiment becomes contaminated with crumbs and is not safe for consumption by individuals who cannot tolerate gluten. Consider using condiments in squeeze containers to prevent cross-contamination. Wheat flour can stay airborne for many hours in a bakery or at home and contaminate exposed preparation surfaces and utensils or uncovered gluten-free products.

Modified from The Quick Start Gluten-Free Diet Guide for Celiac Disease & Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, developed collaboratively in 2013 by:  American Celiac Disease Alliance, Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac Sprue Association,  Gluten Intolerance Group, National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

This article has been assessed and approved by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.