Big Gluten-Free News: Glutino Acquisition, FDA Gluten-Free Labeling Proposal, and Schwan’s Pizza

In a shocking announcement yesterday, it was revealed that Smart Balance paid $66.3 million in cash to acquire Glutino Foods ! 

"We are very impressed with the Glutino management team, led by Terence Dalton, and believe the skill sets of both the Glutino and Smart Balance teams will contribute to improving the performance of both companies. Both companies have similar missions and values. Through this combination, we believe Smart Balance's core competencies in sales, marketing and product development will help Glutino realize its growth potential, ultimately creating long-term value for our shareholders, and exciting opportunities for our new and existing employees.”

Earlier this week, the FDA held a teleconference about gluten-free labeling, and said that gluten-free labeling rules are expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 2012. Read this great recap of the teleconference from The Savvy Celiac . To submit your comments electronically to the FDA about the gluten-free labeling proposal, follow these steps. Comments are due by October 3, 2011.

1. Go to http://www.regulations.gov . 
2. Select submit a comment from the task bar.
3. Enter FDA-2005-N-0404 in the keyword box and click search.
4. Go to the actions column and select submit a comment.
5. You have 20 minutes to complete your form before the session will timeout. 

As kids are getting ready to head back to school soon, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has exciting news about school pizza.

“Schwan’s Food Service, Inc., a leading provider of pizza to K-12 schools, colleges and universities, healthcare facilities and other foodservice venues, has introduced two new gluten-free pizza products to the market. With nearly 40 years’ experience bringing pizza to 75% of the nation’s schools, Schwan’s is committed to ensuring their products are nutritious and delicious. The two new gluten-free pizzas – one for the K-12 market and one for colleges and other operations – are the latest examples of this commitment. Schwan’s Food Service teamed up with the NFCA to better understand the challenges of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, provide training for their sales force, and offer training to their customers.”

The pizza is certified gluten-free and individually wrapped on a baking tray. Many children will be able to enjoy purchasing gluten-free pizza in their school cafeteria this year!