2020.8.28

What is Certified Gluten-Free?

Nowadays, more people are familiar with the term “gluten-free.” The gluten-free lifestyle is one of the most popular diet trends in the world and particularly in the U.S., where some 3.1 million people are following a gluten-free diet.

Despite the growing popularity of gluten-free foods in restaurants and supermarkets, it’s not always easy to know when a product is safe to eat. In Japan, where there is no official “gluten-free” label, it can be especially hard to find the right products for you and your family.

So what does it mean for Jones Dairy Farm products to be “Certified Gluten-Free”? Here’s some information to keep in mind the next time you’re shopping at Costco.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a family of proteins found in certain grains, including wheat, rye and barley. Contrary to popular belief, rice is naturally gluten-free. In addition to bread and pasta, some common Japanese ingredients containing gluten are soy sauce, panko, certain types of miso and wheat flour.

What is a gluten-free diet?

Some people are gluten-sensitive, which means their bodies are unable to break down or digest gluten. The most severe form of gluten intolerance is celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder which affects about 1 percent of the global population, according to a study.

A gluten-free diet consists of excluding or eliminating foods that contain the protein gluten. In doing so, those with gluten-sensitivity can avoid symptoms like bloating, constipation and fatigue.

What the “Certified Gluten-Free” label means

The next time you’re in Costco, look for this mark on our package:

Food labeling laws vary from country to country. In America, food labeled as “gluten-free” must have less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, making it safe for most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to eat. It’s also common for manufacturers to pursue gluten-free certifications offered by various third-party programs to further commit to serving the gluten-free community.

Jones Dairy Farm breakfast sausage, bacon, Canadian bacon and ham products are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a top program which verifies the quality, integrity and purity of gluten-free products. GFCO inspects both products and manufacturing facilities to ensure that products contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. The GFCO also requires yearly certification, a process that includes a review of ingredients, product testing and a plant inspection.