Celiac Safety Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Salud Carbajal and 15 co-sponsors

The bill would treat gluten-containing grain as a major food allergen, requiring clear labeling of gluten in FDA-regulated foods.

Introduced in House

Summary of HR 9048 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) to add gluten-containing grain to the list of major food allergens.

The intent is to improve labeling transparency and consumer awareness for individuals with gluten-related disorders, ensuring that gluten-containing ingredients are clearly identified in food products.

Key provisions

Definition update: Gluten-containing grain would be explicitly defined as a major food allergen under the FD&C Act.

Labeling implications: Food manufacturers, packagers, and sellers would be required to disclose the presence of gluten in labeling and labeling-related materials consistent with major allergen labeling requirements.

Scope: Applies to foods subject to FDA labeling rules, aligning gluten labeling with other major allergens (such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy).

Compliance expectations: Manufacturers would need to review ingredient statements and ensure accurate allergen labeling, including any cross-contact or advisory language as applicable under FDA regulations.

Affected parties and impact

Food manufacturers, processors, and retailers: Responsible for updating labeling, testing, and allergen management practices to reflect gluten as a major allergen.

Consumers with gluten allergies or gluten-related disorders: Expected benefit from clearer, standardized allergen labeling, aiding safer food choices and reduced risk of inadvertent gluten exposure.

Government and regulators: FDA would administer, enforce, and update guidelines, labeling instructions, and compliance monitoring consistent with the major allergen framework.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction/referred: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (May 29, 2026).

Next steps: If advanced, the committee would review, potentially amend, and vote on the bill before advancing to the full House floor for consideration. Subsequent steps would depend on passage in the House and potential movement through the Senate, and any presidential action.

Notable context

The inclusion of gluten aligns with public health and consumer protection goals to reduce allergen-related adverse events.

The bill’s sponsors include Betty McCollum, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Emanuel Cleaver, indicating bipartisan sponsorship and interest in enhanced allergen labeling.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, industry stakeholders, or consumer advocates) or add a brief comparison to existing major allergen labeling requirements.