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Gluten-Free Foods Could Get FDA Label

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Jan 22, 2007 11:55 am US/Eastern

Gluten-Free Foods Could Get FDA Label

 CBS News Interactive: About Your Health

 CBS News Interactive: About Diet And Nutrition

WASHINGTON (AP) ― Foods made without a protein found in wheat, rye and barley could be labeled gluten-free under a proposed rule released Monday by federal health officials.

The proposal would allow companies to voluntarily flag foods without the cereal protein, which can cause inflammation of the small intestine in the estimated 1.5 million to 3 million Americans with celiac disease. Most have never been diagnosed.

Gluten can trigger an immune response in celiac sufferers that damages the lining of the small intestine. Eventually, that damage can hamper the ability of the intestine to absorb nutrients.

Celiac disease has no cure but can be managed by avoiding foods that contain gluten.

The label could be used on foods that have been processed to remove the protein. The rule wouldn't apply to foods that ordinarily don't contain gluten, like corn and rice.

The Food and Drug Administration posted the proposed rule for comment on its Web site Monday.

(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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