Thumann's Becomes First Meat Company Certified Gluten-Free By The Gluten Free Certification Organization(GFCO)
"Nutrition has always been important to Thumann's and to show how important, Thumann's has certified its products gluten-free, meeting the needs of a growing group of consumers with gluten intolerances."
Auburn, WA (PRWEB) February 9, 2007
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) announced today that it has certified Thumann's products as gluten-free. Thumann's has been producing quality meat products since 1949, meeting the desire for health-conscience Americans to have higher quality deli meats.
Thumann's entire product line is gluten-free, allowing them to meet the needs of a growing market of persons following a gluten-free diet. For approximately 3 million people in the United States a gluten-free diet is a medically required diet. These people cannot consume storage proteins found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Consumption of gluten protein causes damage to the digestive tract and can lead to other complications. Many other consumers choose a gluten-free diet for other reasons. This is evident in the fast growth of this market which is expected to grow 25% per year for the next few years, reaching total sales of $696 million in 2006.
GFCO standards are met through a strong relationship with the Orthodox Union's Food Service, Inc (FSI), and their nearly 500 field representatives all over the world. FSI agents are proficient in modern food production techniques and chemical and biological processes. GFCO offers a program with strict standards, regular inspections, product and ingredient testing in the production plants and through random testing off site.
Thumann's has produced gluten-free products since its founding in 1949. But according to Jackie Burke, RN, BSN, and resident Thumann's nutritional consultant, "We wanted to adapt and adhere to this system of standards based on scientific research, so that we could improve the health and dietary options of people living on a gluten-free diet." In fact, the Gluten-Free certification is only one way Thumann's is addressing an overall healthier dietary standard throughout its product line. "We presently have 10 products certified by the American Heart Association," says Burke.
Thumann's also launched a new line of all-natural deli products, produced with sea salt, pure cane sugars, and pure natural ingredients. "Nutrition has always been important to Thumann's - not just the company, but also our family," states Burke, whose husband Bob Burke, Jr. is company Vice President. "We never use flavor enhancers like MSG. Our products are typically lower in salt and fat than others in this category."
"It's important for people to have these products, because they give such a wide range of convenience and variety. Our goal is to make them a solid source of nutrition, as well," adds Burke. "With these certifications, people will know they can trust the nutritional and health values of our products."
For more information, call 201-935-3636, email, or visit www. thumanns. com.
About GFCO: The Gluten-Free Certification Organization's (GFCO) provides an independent service to supervise gluten-free food production according to a consistent, defined, science-based standard, that is confirmed by field inspections, in order to achieve heightened consumer confidence and safety. GFCO is 'Gluten-free you can easily see' through a trademarked logo on packaging. Products labeled with the GF certification mark allow consumers to easily identify items that have been independently verified to meet our high standards for gluten-free…potentially stricter than even the FDA will set as the standard for labeling. For more information visit: www. gfco. org, or call 206-246-6652.
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