TTB Stands its Ground on Gluten-Free Labeling of Beer Made From Barley

By: Peter Olins, PhD on February 11, 2014.

Just received a friendly email from Tom Hogue, Director of Congressional and Public Affairs at the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau), regarding the labeling of “gluten-free” beers in the U.S. The TTB Ruling (2014-2) affects beers such as Omission Beer, which have been crafted to reduce the level of “gluten”, which is toxic to people with celiac disease:

Use of “Gluten‐Free” on TTB‐Regulated Alcohol Beverages This regulation is an update to their Interim Regulation on gluten-free labeling of beer, issued on May 24, 2012 (TTB Ruling 2012-2).

Despite pressure from some in the brewing industry, the TTB has decided to stand its ground, and continues to require that gluten-reduced beers DO NOT have the term “gluten-free” in their labeling. In addition, the TTB states that gluten-reduced beers must clearly warn consumers that, “…the gluten content of the product cannot be determined and that the product may contain gluten. …” no scientifically valid way to measure the presence of “gluten” contamination in “hydrolyzed foods” such as barley-based beer

Background on Gluten-Free Labeling of Beer

Readers of our previous blogs will know that we have followed this story closely, and made a strong case that there is too little known about gluten-reduced beers (such as Omission Beer) to be confident that they are safe for people with celiac disease:

Is “Gluten-Free” Beer Made From Barley Malt Safe for Celiacs?

Gluten-Free Beer: Does Omission Beer Deliver the Goods? — A Simple Guide for the Non-Biochemist

Celiac Sprue Association Challenges Authority of FDA and TTB, Stating Omission Beer is Gluten-Free