Wines, spirits and malt beverages that are branded “gluten-free” in the US could be forced into a re-think after a US Government Treasury department said it is reviewing its policy on the legal use of the term. 

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) unit said yesterday (22 August) it is conducting a probe in light of the US Food and Drug Administration this month issuing rules on foods that can be termed “gluten-free”. Foods that contain 20 parts per million of gluten or more are  no longer be able to carry the claim under the new FDA rules. 

The TTB said while it is conducting the review, its current interim rules on the labelling and advertising of gluten-free drinks still apply. Details of these rules can be viewed here.