What is the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO)?
From the announcement in 2005 of the Gluten Intolerance Group's® gluten-free food certification program.
The Gluten Intolerance Group® is pleased to announce our gluten-free food certification program, the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO), the first program of its kind in the world! This new independent food processing inspection program will verify that food products meet the highest standards for gluten-free ingredients and a safe processing environment. Food products meeting these high standards will receive our GF certification mark, allowing gluten-free consumers to easily identify foods that are free of gluten and possible cross-contamination from gluten.
Key elements of the GFCO process include:
- Ingredients review, down to the original supplier
- Onsite inspections by experienced, trained independent (third party) Field Inspection Agents
- Product and ingredient testing using scientifically AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists – INTERNATIONAL) approved testing methods
- GFCO certification mark located on product packages for easy identification
Gluten-free you can easily see
Products labeled with the GF certification mark allow consumers to easily identify products that have been independently verified to meet the highest standards for gluten-free ingredients and safe processing environment.
GFCO maintains a system of independent verification through plant visits to assure that there have been no changes that might compromise its gluten-free status. GFCO certification uses the highest standards for gluten-free ingredients and safe processing environment, and cannot be altered or compromised. The GFCO certification standards exceed the requirements of current government laws and regulations. The voluntary participation of companies in this program will ensure public confidence in the gluten-free status of their products.
The GFCO was developed in cooperation with the Food Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Orthodox Union (the OU), the world's largest and oldest kosher certification agency. The OU has nearly 500 field representatives, proficient in modern food production techniques and chemical and biological processes; they will conduct plant inspections and product reviews for the GFCO. Like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, the logo, one of the world's best-known trademarks, instills confidence in the purchaser that the product has passed inspection and meets high quality standards. For more information visit OU Kosher: http://www.oukosher.org.
The mission of The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is to provide an independent service to supervise gluten-free food production according to a consistent, defined, science-based standard, that is confirmed by field inspections, in order to achieve heightened consumer confidence and safety. GFCO is governed by an independent volunteer board that includes physicians, food scientists and consumers. For more information visit Gluten-Free Certification Organization: http://www.gfco.org.
