The Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA)has announced the results of a study which revealed that most pre-packaged ground spice samples in Canada would not pose a risk to gluten-sensitive consumers.
For the study,a total of 268 imported and domestic pre-packaged ground spices were collected from retail stores in 2010-2011.
The study found that more than 99%of pre-packaged ground spice samples tested for gluten would not pose a risk to gluten-sensitive consumers.
There were very low but detectable levels of gluten in 62 of the samples.The CFIA noted that due to the small amount of spice typically consumed in a meal,these levels would not pose a health risk to sensitive consumers.
However,one sample of mace was recalled due to a high level of gluten.
Pre-packaged ground spices sold in Canada are not permitted to contain any other ingredients.However,occasionally spices may contain undeclared gluten,either intentionally added during packaging or from cross contamination during food production.This is contrary to the Food and Drugs Act and may pose a health risk to sensitive individuals.
