On January 21, 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a significant initiative to improve transparency in food labeling, focusing on gluten-containing ingredients. Through a Request for Information (RFI), the agency is seeking public and scientific input on the disclosure of gluten and cross-contact in packaged foods. This move aims to protect consumers with celiac disease and other gluten-related sensitivities by providing more reliable information about the products they purchase.
The initiative aligns with broader government health goals, specifically the “MAHA” (Make America Healthy Again) Strategy. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr emphasized that this action is part of a broader push for “radical transparency” in the food industry. According to Kennedy, “Americans deserve clear, reliable information about what’s in their food and how it’s made. Public input calling for honest labeling will protect consumers, prevent harm, and Make America Healthy Again.”
A primary focus of the FDA’s inquiry is “ingredients of interest” that are often not clearly disclosed on labels. These include non-wheat gluten-containing grains such as rye and barley, as well as oats, which are frequently subject to cross-contact with gluten during processing. The agency is seeking data on adverse reactions caused by these specific ingredients to better understand the health risks posed to the public when they are not explicitly identified.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH, highlighted the daily challenges faced by people with dietary restrictions due to current labeling gaps. “People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities [sic] have had to tiptoe around food and are often forced to guess about their options,” Makary stated. He urged all stakeholders, including consumers and industry experts, to share their data and personal experiences to help the agency develop more protective policies.
The FDA decided to take this step after reviewing a citizen petition and examining international reports, including those from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Their preliminary review identified “several serious data gaps” in the United States, particularly regarding the prevalence of rye and barley in products where they are not currently disclosed and the severity of allergic reactions to these grains.
Beyond identifying ingredients, the RFI seeks technical information on the potency of gluten-related allergies and the effectiveness of current manufacturing practices in preventing cross-contact. This comprehensive data collection is intended to support future regulatory actions. The agency aims to determine what new labeling requirements or safety standards are necessary to ensure that “hidden” gluten does not reach vulnerable consumers.
The public comment period for this Request for Information is open for 60 days, allowing broad feedback via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. By gathering this evidence, the FDA intends to set new priorities for gluten-related labeling that will move the industry away from “guessing” and toward a standard of honesty that supports healthy food choices for all Americans.
In addition to tighter gluten labeling, the food allergy community urgently needs greater transparency regarding allergens. Please read and sign our petition to the FDA, which calls for four necessary changes to prevent reactions and anaphylaxis.
