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GF program ramps up auditing capabilities in Quebec

Based in the province of Québec, BNQ will help support the program's need for bilingual capabilities, and grow the number of gluten-free brands, who are permitted to display the GFCP trademarks on their company's GF product packaging. “BNQ’s involvement in the program makes a certification program available to Québec businesses looking to present their products to a target market in order to give consumers confidence,” said BNQ manager Jean Rousseau, Eng.

The Gluten-Free Certification Program is a voluntary program designed for manufacturers and brand owners committed to producing safe, reliable gluten-free products. The program combines stringent, risk based gluten-free requirements with globally recognized food safety management systems which exceed government requirements in both Canada and the United States. It is verified by an annual robust, third-party facility audit process which ensures continued compliance. Consumers can now shop with confidence across North America and know that the products they are purchasing meet the industry’s strictest gluten-free requirements, when they see the GFCP trademark.

Paul Valder, president of the Allergen Control Group Inc. (ACG), the organization that oversees the GFCP states, “We are extremely excited about the level of interest in the GFCP, from the Quebec market. Manufacturers and retailers, from the food, alcohol and pharmaceutical sectors representing approximately 2500 products are currently licenced under the GFCP.”

“The Canadian Celiac Association believes that all Canadians have the right to safe food, and we have designed the Gluten-Free Certification Program to meet these special needs” states Sue Newell, operations manager of the Canadian Celiac Association. “The CCA advocates on behalf of approximately 2,000,000 Canadians suffering from celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, who are frustrated by the uncertainty of identifying the gluten-free products that are essential to their well-being.”

"The Fondation québécoise de la maladie cœliaque (FQMC) is delighted to support the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP)" states Suzanne Laurencelle, Executive Director of the Fondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque. The Bureau de normalization du Québec is a leading partner in product certification to companies in Quebec. People with celiac disease must eat safely; the only way to treat celiac disease lies in a diet completely free of gluten. Given the large number of new gluten-free products on the market, it is important that people with this autoimmune disease have full confidence that the products offered are safe and free from cross-contamination.

About the Allergen Control Group Inc. (ACG) 

The Allergen Control Group Inc. is a privately held organization, which owns and operates the Gluten-Free Certification Program on a global basis and is endorsed exclusively by the CCA in Canada and the NFCA in the USA. http://www.glutenfreecert.com

About the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) 

The Canadian Celiac Association is the national voice for people who are adversely affected by gluten, and is dedicated to improving diagnosis and quality of life. Based in Mississauga, Ontario with 28 Chapters across the country, its mission includes advocacy, education, research and community support. http://www.celiac.ca

About the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) 

The Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) is a government-funded agency accredited and recognized for its development of Québec, Canadian and international standards. It is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), the agency representing Canada at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). http://www.bnq.qc.ca

About the Fondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque (FQMC) 

Founded in 1983, Fondation québécoise de la maladie coelique, a respected voice in Canada and Quebec, providing services and support to its members in French. Its mission is to improve the lives of people who are affected by celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity with information on the disease and the gluten-free diet. Its efforts are aimed at increasing the knowledge of celiac disease among the public and health professionals, in order to promote early detection. The FQMC is also involved in supporting a research project with CHUV Ste-Justine. http://www.fqmc.org