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02.02.2023 - Foods
BfR: Spelt (gluten-containing grain, type of wheat) can also trigger allergies
On January 13, 2023, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) published its Opinion No. 001/2023 "Even Spelt Can Cause Allergies - The Population's Knowledge of Spelt as a Type of Wheat is Low."
Annex II of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 (Food Information to Consumers Regulation, FIC) lists the 14 most common triggers of allergies and intolerances that must be listed in the ingredient list of pre-packaged foods. Under no. 1, gluten-containing cereals, namely wheat (such as spelt and Khorasan wheat), rye, barley, and oats, as well as products thereof, are listed. Spelt is a type of wheat and, according to the FIC, must be labeled with the name "wheat." It is not sufficient just to state spelt in the ingredient list.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has now evaluated the significance of labeling spelt as a type of wheat regarding the population's health protection. First, the BfR concluded that there is no conclusive data indicating that spelt has a lower allergenic potential than common wheat. In a survey conducted by the BfR, the comparable allergenicity of spelt compared to wheat was known to only a few.
The BfR therefore recommends making it clear in mandatory allergen labeling that spelt is a type of wheat, for example, "spelt flour (a type of wheat)," "spelt (a type of wheat)," or "flour from spelt (a type of wheat)."
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for allergens, including gluten in foods. We provide you with fast and reliable results. Our customer service representatives are available to answer your questions.
Sources:
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)