Gluten Free

The global market for gluten-free products is increasing rapidly. Worth $4.63 billion in 2015, it is projected to reach $7.59 billion by 2020. In the US and Europe, an increasing number of patients are being diagnosed with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. This is an important factor in driving market growth. However, most of the recent gains in this sector can be attributed to consumer perceptions that gluten-free foods are healthier than foods containing gluten. Strong retail presences and government initiatives in these regions have also spurred demand. Getting certified will assure consumers searching for gluten-free foods that your products meet their requirements.

Why choose gluten-free certification services from SGS?
We are the only certification body that offers you a choice of gluten-free certification schemes, so you can pick the one that meets your unique requirements. We provide a seamless approach to auditing and certification by combining gluten-free audits with other food safety audits. As an independent third party, we offer you verifiable ways of differentiating yourself from your competitors and increasing confidence in your products among gluten-intolerant consumers.

Gluten-Free Certification Program
The Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) is designed for retailers, manufacturers, food service providers and farmers obliged to conform to various government regulations and/or the Codex Alimentarius gluten-free science based guidelines. Delivered by third-party ISO/IEC 17021-1ANAB accredited certifying bodies, GFCP is a non-prescriptive HACCP-based standard that is endorsed by the leading North American coeliac organisations and administered by the Allergen Control Group.

Gluten-Free Certification Organisation
The Gluten-Free Certification Organisation (GFCO) certifies many thousands of products. It is a voluntary program developed in 2005 by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) of North America, a non-profit association funded by private donations. Targeting retailers, manufacturers and farmers, GFCO uses quality assessment and control measures to assure consumers that their food is safe. Certification involves risk assessments, plant audits and equipment and product testing, at the plant and at the point of consumer purchase. Finished products bearing the GFCO logo must contain 10 ppm or less of gluten.

Crossed Grain symbol gluten-free product certification – a standalone audit against the AOECS Standard for Gluten-Free Foods
The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) is a not-for-profit umbrella organisation of 35 European national coeliac societies. It owns and operates one of the world’s most widely recognised gluten-free certification schemes, based on a standard that ensures safety during the production of gluten-free food products.

Coeliac UK, an AOECS member, offers Crossed Grain symbol certification for food and drink manufacturers and retailers of products sold in the UK, Europe and globally. Manufacturers and retailers that meet the criteria of the AOECS standard can license this symbol, an internationally recognised registered trademark promoted by coeliac organisations worldwide.

Coeliac UK and SGS have jointly developed a new standalone audit against the AOECS standard. SGS will act as the certification body for the audit.

A global leader in food safety audits and certification
We have extensive experience providing auditing and certification services for the food industry worldwide. Our international team of highly qualified auditors will help you to ensure that your products and services meet the highest standards for safety and quality.Contact us for more information.

Gluten Free