Our Certified Gluten-Free Testing Process
Gluten is a protein that has changed the diets of many who either have celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. We are aware of the high demand for gluten-free ingredients and the importance of ensuring the safety of our gluten-free products not only under the laws of being certified but also for the welfare of our consumers who trust the integrity of our gluten-certified labels.
We at One Degree Organics believe you deserve 100% traceability in everything you eat to make informed decisions. In the spirit of Celiac Awareness Month, we wanted to provide you with a better understanding of gluten-free certifications and labels that exist. In addition, we will also be sharing the various ways we ensure that our gluten-free sprouted cereals, oatmeal, granola, and flour are safe and free from gluten before they reach your kitchen pantry.
The Meaning Behind Gluten-Free Certifications & Labels
In both Canada and the US, there are specific standards that must be met before a food or product can be labeled as ‘gluten-free’. Only those foods that are naturally gluten-free can be advertised or labeled as such. In today’s world, customers want to know more about the ingredients contained in their food, and the laws are now enforcing measures that provide more transparency and honesty in food labeling. At One Degree Organics, we take pride in the trusted certified labels on our products, and we undergo annual testing to maintain our certified gluten-free labeling.
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, and The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Canada state that the criteria for using the claim ‘gluten-free’ would mean that products should not exceed 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.1
What is the difference between gluten-free and certified gluten-free?
Foods that are naturally free of gluten, such as fruits and vegetables, can be labeled as “gluten-free” without being subjected to annual tests and examinations. However, certified gluten-free foods, such as our organic granola, oats, cereals, and flour, require testing for certification.
Our oats require gluten-free testing to be certified even though they are naturally free of gluten, the reason being is that our organic oats are sometimes grown alongside crops containing gluten, such as wheat and barley. Although measures are in place to keep these crops separate during harvest, we still send each batch of oats for testing to ensure it is free of gluten in addition to tests completed by external gluten-free certifiers.
There are a few main organizations that certify foods as gluten-free. They consist of; The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), the Celiac Support Association (CSA), the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP), and The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA).2
The Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) created by Celiac Canada and the Allergen Control Group is licensed to Beyond Celiac in the US. This is the first and only North American program endorsed by leading celiac disease organizations in the US and Canada.3
At One Degree Organics, we take immense pride in being gluten-free certified under the GFCP. The GFCP program ensures safety by testing our products and examining our entire practices and production processes. This includes examining our ingredient sourcing, employee training, cleaning practices, cross-contact controls, operational management, and an effective end-to-end testing plan.
The Process of our Gluten-Free Testing
To maintain our gluten-free certification, our products undergo yearly audits. We cover the costs of these tests and examinations ourselves to provide our consumers with more transparency and trust when they enjoy our gluten-free products. We are committed to sourcing our ingredients from farmers who meet our certified gluten-free standards, and we conduct multiple checks, tests, and examinations throughout our production process.
Step 1- Pre-Arrival Testing Phase
We are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality, organic products available. That is why we work closely with our farmers who share our commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. Our farmers use techniques such as crop rotation, and natural pest management to ensure that our grains are grown in a way that is sustainable.
Before the grains are harvested, our famers clean the oats to rid them of any potential gluten-containing ingredients before being loaded and sent to our facility.
Step 2- Arrival Testing Phase
Once the grains arrive at our facility, we continue to test and monitor them to guarantee they meet our strict standards. Our Quality Assurance team carefully inspects each batch of grains for any gluten-containing grains or other foreign substances.
When the grains have passed the inspection, they are sprouted in water at the right temperature. Our sprouting process is a step that separates our gluten-free products from other brands. The sprouting of our grains allows more nutrients and fiber to be locked in making them easier to digest.
Step 3- Quality & Physical Testing Phase
To guarantee that our grains meet the highest standards- they undergo a rigorous two-step cleaning process. Once the cleaning is complete, our dedicated Quality Assurance team conducts a series of visual and physical inspections and tests on every batch to verify that our grains meet the requirements of the certifications that are displayed on our packaging.
Our grains must adhere to the gluten-free threshold and moisture standards set by the GFCP. We believe that our customers deserve only the best, and we are confident that through thorough testing, we can deliver on that promise every time.
Step 4- Optical Sorting Phase
Our grains then go through an optical sorter that uses a high-resolution camera that helps to identify any other grains, contaminants, or foreign objects that may have made it through the cleaning process. Any unwanted items are removed with bursts of air, leaving only the purest grains behind.
We know how important it is to our customers to avoid gluten, so we take extra steps to make sure that our products are gluten-free. At every step of the process, we have strict quality control measures in place to ensure that our products are the best they can be.
Step 5- Second Round of Quality & Physical Testing Phase
Our gluten-free grains go through a second round of quality and physical testing. Our Quality Assurance team conducts several rounds of testing to confirm that the grains remain below the gluten threshold.
We understand that many people have dietary restrictions related to gluten, and we want to offer them delicious and healthy options that they can enjoy without having to worry. With One Degree Organics, you can put your trust in the labels you see on our packaging to help you make informed food decisions.
These tests are our way of providing you with the extra confidence that our products are clean, certified gluten-free, certified organic, glyphosate-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified every time you enjoy our gluten-free oatmeal, granola, cereals, and flour.
Step 6- Providing You with More Peace of Mind
At One Degree Organics, we prioritize food safety. We conduct regular third-party testing and collaborate closely with our farm partners to ensure that every crop we receive is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. In addition to testing for gluten-free, we also check for glyphosate, heavy metals, pathogens, and chlormequat.
We are aware that glyphosate and chlormequat are prohibited in organic farming, but we still test our oats to ensure that our certified organic oats are genuinely free from glyphosate and chlormequat.
We also perform routine testing for heavy metals and foodborne pathogens to guarantee that our products meet the required standards for human consumption. We are committed to transparency in providing safe and healthy gluten-free products that you can trust. To learn more about our commitment to food safety, read our testing transparency page.
The Deliciously Good Side of Gluten-Free
Going gluten-free can be a daunting task, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Finding gluten-free options that are both nutritious and delicious can feel like a never-ending challenge. That is where One Degree Organics comes in.
At One Degree Organics, we believe everyone deserves access to healthy and delicious food, regardless of their dietary restrictions. With our gluten-free range of flours, cereals, granola, and oatmeal, you can effortlessly transform your gluten-free diet and enjoy more of the delicious things you love.
Whether you are following a gluten-free diet for health reasons or simply because you prefer it, you can indulge your craving the safer way with One Degree Organics.
Sprouted Gluten-Free Oatmeal & Cereals
When we visited our oat farmer at River’s Edge Organics in Alberta, he informed us that the oats used in our oatmeal, granola, and flour are high in fiber and packed with essential vitamins and minerals including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, thiamine, folate, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamin B6, and more.
Our oatmeal is a highly nutritious meal that will provide a natural boost to kickstart your day with its simple yet delicious ingredients. If you love cereal but are unable to find gluten-free options, our Sprouted Brown Rice Cacao Crisps and Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps Cereals offer the perfect cereal crunch with added gluten-free benefits and flavor.
Sprouted Gluten-Free Granola
Pick and choose your gluten-free granola flavor for every day of the week. From the Honey Bergamot to our Cacao Mint, Goldenberry Honeybush and the Coconut Hibiscus Tea Infused Granola it will be hard skipping breakfast. Best part, our gluten-free, caffeine-free, and glyphosate-free granola flavors don’t stop there, delight in the cluster rich Honey Hemp, Quinoa Cacao, Vanilla Chia, and more deliciously crunchy favorites.
All our granola breakfasts are made with sprouted oats that contain healthy doses of fiber, antioxidants, and a whole lot of flavor, this is a gluten-free treat, dessert, breakfast and on the go snack you will always want more of.
Sprouted Gluten-Free Flours
Our Sprouted Oat Flour is gluten-free and perfect for baking bread, pasta, cookies, and the sweet and savory dishes your gluten-free diet will love.
For lighter flour with a nutty and mild sweet flavor, our Sprouted Brown Rice Flour is the perfect pantry staple. Our Sprouted Brown Rice Flour will have you whisking up the fluffiest pancakes and the most indulgent chocolate brownies with a gluten-free twist.
Both of our flours are naturally gluten-free and made with grains that are grown veganically, without chemicals or animal-based fertilizers, and sprouted to maximize nutrition, digestibility, and flavor.
While there are still many unanswered questions and myths surrounding gluten and gluten-free diets, one thing you can be certain of is our gluten-free label, which is certified under Canadian and US laws. Regardless of your recipe, breakfast, or snack-when choosing One Degree Organics, you can trust that you are fueling your body with the best.
For new and delicious gluten-free recipes sign up for our Newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for content that will not only fill your feed with all the things you love, but the wholesome flavors you have yet to discover!
References
- ‘Gluten-Free’ Means What It Says, U.S Food and Drug Administration, 2023. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/gluten-free-means-what-it-says#:~:text=As%20one%20of%20the%20criteria,using%20valid%20scientific%20analytical%20tools. Accessed March, 2024
- A comparison of gluten levels in labeled gluten-free and certified gluten-free foods sold in the United States, Celiac Disease Center, 2014. Available from:https://celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2-2014-A-comparison-of-gluten-levels-in-labeled-gluten-free-and-certified-gluten-free-foods-sold-in-the-United-States.pdf. Accessed March, 2024
- Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP), Celiac Canada, 2023. Available from: https://www.celiac.ca/living-gluten-free/gluten-free-certification-program/. Accessed, March 2024.
