Auburn, WA—In 2022, the Gluten Intolerance Group's (GIG)  Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) third-party gluten-free certification program certified 9,300 products from more than 800 brands worldwide. This marks a significant increase, GIG shared, noting that the number of new certifications increased by 7,255 products from 2021 to 2022.

The numbers indicate unprecedented consumer demand for stringent certification

GIG said the organization explained that the GFCO mark verifies that a product contains 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten or less. This is twice as strict as the FDA’s standards. the GFCO process for certification includes ingredient analysis, plant audits, and frequent off-the-shelf testing to ensure a product meets the program's high standards.

What is being certified as gluten-free?

GIG reported that GFCO’s recent round of gluten-free certifications spanned 21 product categories. Flour-based foods are the dominant category (including baking mixes, bread, cereal, granola, and baked goods). Also common categories: pastas; chips, pretzels, snacks, and candy; sauces, dressings and spreads; meats and meat alternatives; frozen foods including entrees, pizza and desserts; dairy and dairy alternatives; and personal care items including supplements, nutrition and skin care products. 

“We’re here to protect the consumer and help them make safe choices,” said Jeanne Reid, GIG Marketing Manager. "As the gluten-free market has expanded, consumers are increasingly savvy. They reward companies that rise to the challenge of a higher standard and are transparent in labeling. Our GFCO mark stands for unmatched reliability for meeting the strictest of gluten-free standards from an independent and credible source.”