Auburn, WA—Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) ended 2020 with several achievements in support of the gluten-free community, according to a press release, allowing the nonprofit a strong start to 2021.

The initiatives GIG completed in 2020 include:
  • Rebranding. In March 2020, the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) released its rebranded gluten-free certification mark, designed to not only stand out, but also to meet international trademark standards. GFCO also launched its new website, featuring a product directory with more than 60,000 certified products.
  • Certifying 1,026 products from 107 brands. This includes products from brands including Oreo cookies and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. GFCO’s auditing process continued during the pandemic, as certification is an essential service for those who must eat gluten-free.
  • Honored frontline heroes. In May 2020, GIG partnered with gluten-free brands for the Giving Back to Our Gluten-Free Heroes campaign. GIG accepted nominations from friends and families of frontline workers who must eat gluten-free. The workers received care packages with quality, certified gluten-free foods.
  • Gluten-Free Food Service updated its signage. The signage now calls the program the Validated Gluten Free Safe Spot, which validates restaurants and other foodservice locations like universities, hospitals, and senior living centers that safely serve gluten-free food. The service designated the Mayo Clinic as a Validated Gluten Free Safe Spot, along with seven other food establishments, during 2020.

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“The initiatives achieved in 2020 through our outreach and food safety programs show our team’s commitment not only to fulfill our mission to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free, but to expand it in every way possible,” said Cynthia Kupper, CEO for Gluten Intolerance Group, in the press release.

In 2021, GIG plans to expand on its mission to represent and meet the needs of the gluten-free community by building strong partnerships with food manufacturers and foodservice establishments worldwide. The group also plans to unveil an “exciting” new program to address food insecurity in the gluten-free community.