Today, health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking out food products not only with fewer ingredients and a “clean label” (i.e. natural, no artificial ingredients, non-GMO [genetically modified organism], gluten free, allergen free, etc.), but also foods produced in a manner that minimizes harm to the environment, among other ethical business practices. Yet consumers are not well informed around the topic of gluten, according to a 2015 survey from NSF International, a global public health and safety organization. The survey found that despite having heard of gluten, most Americans couldn’t correctly define it or identify products that could contain the protein. This knowledge gap on where gluten is found can become problematic for those consumers relying on their knowledge of gluten free to make purchasing decisions. According to the survey, nearly half (46 percent) of Americans aware of gluten say their first step in determining if a product is gluten free is to view the list of ingredients on product packaging. Another 31 percent look first for a gluten-free seal or mark on the packaging. People look at food labels for different reasons. But whatever the reason, many consumers would like to know how to use this information more effectively and easily. [...]
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