Rice is...

WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented the gluten-free labeling final rule published in August 2013.  The regulation requires that all packaged foods using the gluten-free claim must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

"The gluten limit identified by FDA is consistent with those set by other countries and international bodies that set food safety standards," said Paul Galvani, chairman of the USA Rice Federation Retail Subcommittee.  "Since rice is a naturally gluten-free food, it is in a unique position to capitalize on the gluten-free trend with package claims to help consumers identify foods that are actually gluten-free."

The use of the gluten-free claim is voluntary and there is no requirement that a food containing gluten must declare that on the label.  However, any food label that carries the gluten-free claim but fails to meet the requirements of the rule is considered misbranded and subject to regulatory action by FDA.

The FDA rule, which applies only to packaged foods, provides a uniform standard definition to help consumers with celiac disease manage a gluten-free diet.  The FDA recommends that restaurants and establishments making gluten-free claims on their menus to follow the FDA's definition of gluten-free.

Contact:  Katie Maher (703) 236-1453

Ready when you are, China

SHANGHAI, CHINA -- PR Consultants, the USA Rice Federation's promotion representative in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, recently added a senior executive to its staff in Beijing, improving its capabilities in the dynamic China market. 

Ms. Jianping Zhang (Jane), who recently retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service Beijing Office, joined PR Consultants' Beijing office as a senior vice president.

"Given Jane's extensive experience and established relationships with Chinese officials dealing with agricultural trade issues, her addition to PR Consultants positions USA Rice well to take advantage of any pending new market access opportunities," said USA Rice President and CEO Betsy Ward.  "We continue to press for a phytosanitary protocol between China and the United States that would allow access for U.S. rice."

Contact:  Jim Guinn (703) 236-1474

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