Rep. Luna Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Require Clear Gluten Labeling

Washington, D.C. — On Thursday, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) introduced the bipartisan Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026, legislation that would amend the FDA’s major food allergen labeling requirements to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat, closing a gap in federal law that leaves millions of Americans with celiac disease and gluten intolerance exposed to hidden sources of gluten.

“I actually have a gluten intolerance myself, and it’s terrifying when labels aren’t clear because that can have serious medical consequences,” said Congresswoman Luna. “Millions of Americans are affected by celiac disease or gluten intolerance; it’s a real and serious issue, and it’s time the food industry respected that. We need transparent labeling so Americans can make informed decisions and safeguard their health.”

The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by replacing “wheat” in the definition of a major food allergen with “gluten-containing grain,” defined to include wheat, barley, rye, oats, and crossbred hybrids such as triticale. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on celiac disease surveillance, diagnostics, prevention, risk reduction, and the development of new treatments.

“People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance should be able to look at a food label and immediately see whether it contains barley, rye, or oats,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This bill makes those ingredients easier to identify instead of relying only on the ingredient list. It is a simple, common-sense change that will help prevent mistakes and keep people safe, and I am proud to join Congresswoman Luna in this effort.”

This action comes amid growing concern over the health risks posed by accidental gluten exposure. An estimated 25.7 million Americans have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or an IgE-mediated wheat allergy with potential cross-reactivity to barley, rye, and oats. For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause intestinal damage, anemia, malnutrition, immunological scarring, heart disease, cancer, and other serious health complications. 

“Americans deserve to know what’s in the food they buy,” said Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). “More than 3.3 million Americans living with celiac disease rely on accurate labeling to protect their health, and this bill is a first step toward greater transparency for consumers.”

There is no cure or rescue medication for accidental ingestion, and even among those who follow a strict gluten-free diet, 44 percent still report being “glutened” at least once a month.

“Everyone deserves to know what’s in their food, especially when it may contain allergens,” said Congressman Suozzi. “By requiring all packaged foods to clearly label even small traces of rye, oats, and barley, the FASTER Act ensures that Americans with celiac can feel confident that their food is safe to eat. I’m proud to sponsor this common-sense, life-saving legislation.”

Since 2006, federal law has required wheat to be identified as a major food allergen, while barley, rye, and oats have remained outside the mandatory labeling requirement. These grains can be hidden in seasonings, flavorings, and fine print, leaving consumers without the clear information they need to avoid gluten. Meanwhile, 87 other countries require the labeling of wheat, barley, rye, and oats, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and countries across the European Union.

Celiac advocates and affected families have urged the United States to adopt the same protections, an effort that has drawn support from both sides of the aisle and led to the FASTER ACT receiving bipartisan support.

“No one should have to risk their health because of confusing food labels,” said Congressman Rulli. “This legislation strengthens transparency and gives Americans with celiac disease the information they need to confidently choose safe foods.”

The legislation has also been championed by 13-year-old Jax Bari, known as the “MAHA Kid” and co-founder of Celiac Journey, whose advocacy has helped bring national attention to the gaps in federal gluten-labeling requirements. 

“I’m grateful to Congresswoman Luna and the original co-sponsors for introducing the bipartisan FASTER Act of 2026 which will require the labeling of barley, rye and oats as Major Food Allergens. My goal is to eat without fear because Celiac is every bite, every day – constant questioning, constant worrying. Just a crumb of gluten is like kryptonite to me. 87 other countries require the labeling of wheat, barley, rye and oats, including in Canada, in the United Kingdom and across the European Union. We’re really behind in the United States, and the FASTER Act will help close the gap and better protect 729,000 kids like me with Celiac,” said Jax Bari.

After meeting with Congresswoman Luna in June, Jax discussed the ambiguity surrounding gluten-containing grains during a June 16 meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who also has celiac disease. Blanche agreed that clearer standards are needed and expressed support for Jax’s efforts to require barley, rye, and oats to be labeled as major food allergens. Blanche’s wife, Dr. Kristine Blanche, and their daughter Sydney, who has celiac disease, have also supported his advocacy.

The FASTER Act was introduced with original cosponsors Reps. Randy K. Weber Sr. (TX-14), Paul A. Gosar (AZ-09), Daniel Meuser (PA-09), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Tom Barrett (MI-07), and Michael Rulli (OH-06).

View the full bill text here.

Contact:

Office of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna

(202) 225-5961 | david.leatherwood@mail.house.gov

Follow updates at luna.house.gov