Is Non-Alcoholic Ginger Beer Gluten Free?
Not automatically. The FDA lets a food be labeled gluten-free only if it has no gluten-containing grain ingredient and any unavoidable gluten is under 20 ppm. Check the label for a gluten-free claim, because the FDA says standard tests cannot reliably measure gluten in fermented products.
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We use your email only for this download.The FDA gluten-free rule
Under 21 CFR 101.91, a food labeled gluten-free cannot intentionally use wheat, rye, barley or triticale, and any unavoidable gluten must be below 20 parts per million (ppm).
Fermented products
The FDA says standard methods do not adequately detect and measure gluten in fermented and hydrolyzed foods. Such a product may not carry a gluten-free claim unless the grains were processed to remove gluten, and the maker must keep records for at least 2 years. If a ginger beer is brewed by fermentation, this applies to it. We did not find an FDA statement about ginger beer specifically.
What to check
- Look for a gluten-free claim on the label.
- Read the ingredient list for wheat, barley or rye (for example malt).
- If you have celiac disease, ask your doctor and the maker.
Alcoholic versions
The FDA notes that TTB regulates the labeling of most alcoholic beverages, so alcoholic ginger beer follows different label rules.
People also ask
What does gluten-free mean on a label?
The FDA says no gluten-containing grain is intentionally used and any unavoidable gluten is under 20 ppm.
Can fermented drinks be labeled gluten-free?
Only if the grains were processed to remove gluten; the FDA says standard tests do not reliably measure gluten in fermented foods.
Who regulates labels on alcoholic ginger beer?
The FDA says TTB regulates the labeling of most alcoholic beverages.
Sources
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