ALLERGY INFORMATION

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized the “Gluten-Free Labeling of Fermented or Hydrolyzed Foods” rule on August 12, 2020 (85 Fed. Reg. 49260, August 13, 2020). FDA explained in the final rule that distillation removes all protein (including gluten) if good manufacturing practices are followed (such as avoiding the introduction of any initial gluten-containing material into the distillate). Per this rule, FDA will now allow a “gluten-free” claim on food that is distilled (such as alcohol) based on “verifying the absence of protein in the distilled component using scientifically valid analytical methods that can reliably detect the presence or absence of protein or protein fragments in the food.”

Following FDA’s revised rule, the Department of the Treasury, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued TTB Ruling 2020-2, “Gluten Content Statements in the Labeling and Advertising of Wine, Distilled Spirits, and Malt Beverages” on October 13, 2020. Per this rule, TTB allows the term “gluten-free” on labels and in advertisements for distilled spirits distilled from gluten-containing grains as long as good manufacturing practices are followed that prevent the introduction of any gluten-containing material into the final product.

MGP Ingredients, Inc.® (MGPI) distilled alcohol has been analyzed via a R5 competitive ELISA method and results were below the limit of quantitation of 10 ppm hydrolysate (wheat/rye/barley) gluten. Additionally, MGPI distilled alcohol was analyzed via AOAC 992.23 (Combustion) and AOAC 991.20.I (Kjeldahl) and no protein was detected. However, per TTB’s policy, pending the establishment of a validated method for alcohol, labels or advertisements are misleading if they state or imply, without an appropriate basis or the necessary qualifications, a specific level of gluten in the finished product (such as “contains x ppm”).

Additionally, MGPI’s process follows good manufacturing practices that prevents the introduction of any initial gluten-containing material into the distillate. Also, the botanicals used in its Distilled Gin are gluten free.

Per TTB Ruling 2020-2, Distilled Gin from MGPI can voluntary state a “gluten-free” claim.

Download/View MGPI’s “Distilled Gin Gluten-Free Declaration” in PDF format