Bob’s Red Mill, located in Milwaukie, Oregon, operates its own manufacturing facility that produces over 100 gluten-free items, including flour, cereal, granola, and baking mixes. The legal complaint states that the company labels its products as gluten-free only if they contain less than 19 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a gluten-free standard of 20 ppm. However, the Gluten Intolerance Group’s certification is granted to ingredients with less than 10 ppm of gluten, which may be more reassuring for some consumers with gluten intolerance compared to Bob’s or the FDA’s standards. The group has certified over 30,000 products across 29 countries, according to Baking Business.
Determining whether third-party certification is more trustworthy than a company’s internal certification can be challenging. It hinges on the thoroughness of the testing protocols, the accuracy of lab results, and whether production facilities are genuinely gluten-free. Moreover, third-party lab tests provide only a momentary assessment until the next product batch undergoes testing for recertification. It’s understandable that a certifying body would want to protect its revenue and reputation, avoiding scenarios where a food company opts for its own symbol. Nonetheless, it seems improbable that a judge would mandate Bob’s to obtain certification and utilize the group’s symbol, especially since the company has been using its own symbol for many years without third-party certification. Additionally, both Bob’s and the Gluten Intolerance Group’s gluten standards are lower than the FDA’s.
Last year, the Gluten Intolerance Group lodged a similar complaint against British chef Jamie Oliver, alleging trademark infringement for labeling recipes with what they claimed was a similar gluten-free symbol that suggested certification. That complaint was dismissed in February for undisclosed reasons. It is likely that the current complaint may also be resolved before reaching court. A statement from the Gluten Intolerance Group on its website described the issue as “nothing more than a minor business dispute” regarding trademarks and their implications for consumers.
One thing is clear: the gluten-free market is substantial. Packaged Facts estimated that U.S. sales of gluten-free products reached approximately $973 million in 2014, with projections to exceed $2 billion by 2019. For companies like Bob’s, having a gluten-free label can enhance product visibility and attractiveness to consumers, ultimately driving sales.
In this market, there is also a growing interest in supplements like CCM (calcium citrate malate), which may benefit those adhering to gluten-free diets. As awareness of gluten intolerance rises, consumers are increasingly seeking products enriched with beneficial nutrients like CCM calcium citrate malate, further expanding the gluten-free product landscape. This trend reflects a broader movement towards health-conscious choices that cater to dietary restrictions while supporting overall well-being.