H.R. 9048: Celiac Safety Act of 2026
This bill, known as the Celiac Safety Act of 2026, proposes to amend an existing law, specifically the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, to redefine what constitutes a major food allergen by including gluten-containing grains. Here are the key points:
Definition of Major Food Allergen
The bill aims to add "gluten-containing grain" to the list of major food allergens in the law. Currently, major food allergens recognized include items like milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, and tree nuts. With the amendment, gluten-containing grains, which include:
- Wheat: This includes various species of the genus Triticum.
- Rye: This includes species from the genus Secale.
- Barley: This refers to species in the genus Hordeum.
will be explicitly recognized as allergens. This means that products containing these grains will be subject to stricter labeling requirements, ensuring that consumers who have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease are better informed about what they are consuming.
Implementation Timeline
The changes set forth by this bill will not take effect immediately. The amendment will apply only to food that is introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce starting 18 months after the bill is enacted. This delayed applicability allows food manufacturers and producers time to adjust to the new regulations and update their labeling and safety procedures accordingly.
Summary of Changes
- Inclusion of "gluten-containing grain" in the definition of major food allergens.
- Expand the list of allergens that food producers must label clearly on their products.
- Implementation of these changes will begin 18 months after the bill is signed into law.
Impact on Food Labeling
By altering the definition of major food allergens, the bill aims to enhance food safety and consumer awareness for individuals who are sensitive to gluten. Increased transparency in labeling is intended to help those affected by celiac disease avoid accidentally consuming gluten.
Relevant Companies
- KR (Kroger): As a large grocery retailer, Kroger will need to ensure compliance with the new labeling requirements for gluten-containing products and may need to adjust their branded products.
- CHKP (Check Point Software Technologies): If involved in food safety technology, they may see increased demand for their products related to labeling compliance.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
24 bill sponsors
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TrackEmanuel Cleaver
Sponsor
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TrackSalud O. Carbajal
Co-Sponsor
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TrackSteve Cohen
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TrackAngie Craig
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TrackLloyd Doggett
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TrackBrian K. Fitzpatrick
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TrackJosh Gottheimer
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TrackJahana Hayes
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TrackJennifer Kiggans
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TrackGeorge Latimer
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TrackTed Lieu
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TrackJohn Mannion
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TrackBetty McCollum
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TrackGwen Moore
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TrackEleanor Holmes Norton
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TrackJimmy Panetta
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TrackJosh Riley
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TrackDeborah K. Ross
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TrackMichael A. Rulli
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TrackEric Sorensen
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TrackSuhas Subramanyam
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TrackJefferson Van Drew
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TrackDebbie Wasserman Schultz
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TrackRandy K. Weber, Sr.
Co-Sponsor
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| May. 29, 2026 | Introduced in House |
| May. 29, 2026 | Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. |
Corporate Lobbying
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