Celiac Safety Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9048
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:06:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to expand food labeling requirements under federal law to better protect individuals sensitive to gluten by treating gluten-containing grains as major food allergens.
Key Provisions
- The bill amends the definition of "major food allergen" in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
- It adds "gluten-containing grain" to the existing list that already includes wheat.
- It defines "gluten-containing grain" to include wheat (genus Triticum), rye (genus Secale), barley (genus Hordeum), and their crossbred hybrids such as triticale.
- The changes apply only to food introduced into interstate commerce 18 months after the law's enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Current law lists eight major food allergens and requires specific labeling for them; this bill adds a new category for gluten-containing grains beyond just wheat.
- It creates a detailed statutory definition for these grains, which did not previously exist in the allergen section.
- The 18-month delay gives manufacturers time to adjust labeling before the requirements take effect.
Potential Impacts
- Food manufacturers may need to update labels and sourcing practices for products containing rye or barley.
- Consumers with gluten sensitivities could gain clearer information on packaged foods.
- Government agencies responsible for food safety enforcement would apply the new rules during inspections and recalls after the delayed start date.
- No direct effects on international relations are specified in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who rely on allergen labeling.
- Food producers, processors, and importers who must comply with updated labeling.
- Federal agencies that oversee food labeling and safety standards.
- Retailers and distributors of packaged foods.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce through amendments to existing food safety statutes.
- It introduces no new enforcement mechanisms or penalties beyond those already in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
- The delayed applicability provision allows time for compliance without immediate disruption to current food supply chains.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Celiac Safety Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-29 — PDF (2 pages)