NFCA SPONSORED WEBINAR FOR PARENTS OF GLUTEN FREE KIDS:

Thursday, August 25th is back to school for most Durham Public School students. For those parents that might be sending their gluten free child off to school, it can feel a little scary . Does your school nurse or administration need more information on the gluten free diet? Consider the following resource. As a parent you may want to participate in the live webinar on Thursday and then send a note to school personnel about listening to the recorded webinar at a later time. Be a postive influence in the school and an advocate for your child.

Importance of School Nurse Education &

How-To Strategies for Parents of Gluten-Free Kids

Thursday, August 25th, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Topics included in Thursday's Webinar include:

Explain the 504 Plan and its impact on the child's rights in the school environment.
• Advise why school nurses should be educated on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet, including a review of their role in the classroom setting.
• Provide a list of school support staff and their appropriate roles in accommodating a celiac child's needs.
• Share strategies on how parents can maneuver the school year with their gluten-free child.
• Offer tips and suggestions on how parents can create a safe and healthy gluten-free school environment, including recipes and common challenges in the classroom's social setting, such as lunch and snack time, birthday parties and field trips.

Registration information is available at NFCA' site.

FDA reopens comment period on Gluten Free Labeling

I listened to a very informative conference call from FDA discussing the current status of Gluten Free Labeling and the reopening of the comment period on the Gluten Free Labeling of foods today. The comment period is set to reopen August 3, 2011 and remain open for 60 days. The federal registry notice is available to the public, those with Celiac Disease, gluten sensitvity, care givers and health care professionals to comment on the proposed definition of Gluten Free. The current proposal is to identify gluten free as foods that measure less than 20ppm (parts per million)and supported by most health care professionals as safe for those with Celiac Disease. This is the lowest level of detectable gluten that is measurable at this time. Be mindful that all gluten free labeling is voluntary and currently is not regulated at this time. If you would like to read more about this update and gluten free labeling see the FDA News Release.
Questions and Answers Regarding Gluten Free Labeling of Foods.
If you would like to make a comment on gluten free labeling click here
What to comment on?? Your thoughts on uniform labeling, scientific information, food shopping experience, concerns about cross contamination of products, etc.

Final ruling is now expected to be by the third quarter of 2012.