FALCPA and spelt

[lspesard]

I just ran across this at the FDA Web site (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/falnoti.html):

FALCPA establishes a process under 21 U.S.C. 343(w)(7) by which any person may file a notification containing scientific evidence demonstrating that an ingredient “does not contain allergenic protein.” The scientific evidence must include the analytical method used and the ingredient must be derived by the specified method. FDA has 90 days to object to a notification. Absent an objection, the food ingredient is exempt from FALCPA's labeling requirements for major food allergens.

FDA is required to post to a public site notifications received under 21 U.S.C. 343(w)(7). This posting is to be made within 14 days of receipt of a notification. The list below reflects the notifications received by FDA that are required at this time to be posted to a public site.
FALN No. Docket No. Date Received Notifier /
Ingredient Manufacturer Description Major Food Allergen Agency Response
001 2005N-0416 Sep 30, 2005 Mead Johnson Nutritionals extensively hydrolyzed casein milk
002 2005FL-0434 Oct 26, 2005 Ross Products Division, Abbot Laboratories extensively hydrolyzed casein milk
003 2005FL-0488 Nov 23, 2005 F & A Dairy and International Media and Cultures, Inc. starter growth media soy
004 2006FL-0017 Dec 27, 2005 Purity Foods, Inc. spelt wheat

Note that last line. Purity Foods is asking that spelt be exempted from labeling as wheat.

You may have noticed the recent discussion about the FDA seizure of French Meadows spelt and kamut bread with improper labeling. This looks like another aspect of it.

The FDA has an online form for comments at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-askco.html
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Gene in Tucson, AZ
DX 11/2004

[Guest]

If Spelt bread is labeled as "wheat free" celiacs will be left holding the bag so to speak. spelt is not a wheat alternative it is WHEAT!!!! 5000 yr old wheat.

All I can say is wow.