Carrefour Spain and the Federation of Coeliac Associations of Spain (FACE) have signed an agreement to use the European licensing system (ELS) 'Espiga Barrada', or Crossed Grains, for the retailer's own-brand gluten-free products.
The ELS is administered by the Association of European Coeliac Societies, and producers and retailers who have the certification can use the Crossed Grain trademark on their gluten free sales in over 30 European countries.
Requirements of the certification include a yearly audit of the manufacturing facilities to ensure that gluten content is kept to a maximum of 20ppm throughout the manufacturing process, an amount stipulated by European law.
As of 1 January, 2020, FACE will use this symbol for the certification of gluten-free products, a change which precipitated the agreement between Carrefour and the coeliac federation, the retailer said.
'No Gluten'
Since 2007, Carrefour Spain has offered the 'No Gluten' private-label line, in response to the needs of those with coeliac disease.
The range includes baked goods such as muffins, croissants, biscuits, sliced bread, buns, and pizza bases, as well as other products such as pastas, refrigerated doughs, and ice cream cones.
In a statement, the company said, 'Carrefour aims to lead the food transition in our country. Consumers demand more and more information about the products they eat and the chain, in response to the need of customers, bet on a more quality, sustainable and respectful with the environment.'
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Karen Henderson. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
