FASTER Act of 2026 Introduced to Target Hidden Gluten Sources in Food Labels

In a bipartisan push to strengthen national food-labeling standards, Congressman Tom Barrett joined Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna and lawmakers from both parties in introducing the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026. The proposed legislation would require barley, rye, and oats to receive the same major-allergen labeling treatment as wheat, addressing a longstanding concern for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and wheat allergy.

Under current Food and Drug Administration requirements, wheat must be clearly disclosed as a major food allergen, while barley, rye, and oats are not covered by the same emphasized allergen-labeling rules. Although these grains generally must be identified when they are used as named ingredients, they do not have to appear in a separate “Contains” statement and may be difficult for consumers to recognize in seasonings, flavorings, or compound ingredients.

The FASTER Act of 2026 would replace “wheat” in the federal definition of a major food allergen with a new category called “gluten-containing grain.” Under the bill, that category would include wheat, rye, barley, oats, and crossbred hybrids such as triticale. The new requirements would apply to foods introduced into interstate commerce beginning one year after the legislation is enacted.

Highlighting the need for greater consumer transparency, Barrett said families require complete information to protect their health.

“Families deserve to know exactly what’s in the food they serve themselves and their children,” said Barrett. “Clear labeling gives parents and consumers the transparency they need to make informed decisions and stay healthy. This bipartisan bill will help millions of people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance avoid hidden sources of gluten — giving families real peace of mind.”

According to the lawmakers, an estimated 25.7 million Americans have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or an IgE-mediated wheat allergy with potential cross-reactivity to barley, rye, and oats. Although these conditions differ medically—celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, while wheat allergy involves the immune system’s production of IgE antibodies—all can make unclear food labels a serious health concern.

Sharing her own experience, Luna said, “I actually have a gluten intolerance myself, and it’s terrifying when labels aren’t clear because that can have serious medical consequences. Millions of Americans are affected by celiac disease or gluten intolerance; it’s a real and serious issue, and it’s time the food industry respected that. We need transparent labeling so Americans can make informed decisions and safeguard their health.”

A key champion behind the legislation is 13-year-old Jax Bari, co-founder of Celiac Journey and known as the “MAHA Kid,” whose advocacy has helped draw national attention to gaps in federal gluten-labeling requirements.

“I’m grateful to Congresswoman Luna and the original co-sponsors for introducing the bipartisan FASTER Act of 2026 which will require the labeling of barley, rye, and oats as Major Food Allergens,” Bari said. “My goal is to eat without fear because celiac is every bite, every day — constant questioning, constant worrying. Just a crumb of gluten is like kryptonite to me.”

Bari also argued that the United States trails other countries in protecting consumers who must avoid gluten. According to Bari and supporters of the legislation, 87 countries—including Canada, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states—require labeling for wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Bari said the bill would help protect an estimated 729,000 American children living with celiac disease.

Beyond changing food labels, the legislation would require the FDA to revise its major-allergen compliance guidance within one year. It would also direct the Department of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on celiac disease prevalence, gaps in surveillance, diagnostic development, prevention, risk reduction, and efforts to develop new treatments or a cure.

Much more needs to be done to fix broken allergen labeling in the US. Please read, sign, and share our petition.