Best Express Foods’ Gluten-Free Certification Yanked
The Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten-free Certification Organization has made the decision to withdraw certification from Best Express Foods, Inc., the umbrella company to Universal Bakery (BEF/Universal Baking), and the producer of Aussie Bites and other products. This decision comes after a thorough investigation in the United States and Canada of BEF/Universal Baking’s Aussie Bites following a safety alert that was issued on May 15, revealing positive test results for gluten in excess of the FDA threshold, according to the group.
“GFCO goes through an in-depth investigation process that includes consumer interviews, 3rd party testing, and requests for historical lot and ingredient testing every time that we receive a consumer complaint about a product,” says Channon Quinn, COO of the Gluten Intolerance Group. “Remedy of these situations requires meeting standards, supplying requested information, as well as fulfillment of contractual obligations surrounding product safety to remove non-compliant products from the marketplace. In this instance, BEF/Universal Baking failed to complete GFCO’s requirements to remedy, making the continuation of a certification relationship with the aforementioned company too high of a risk for both GFCO and the gluten-free public; therefore, we have withdrawn the certification of BEF/Universal Baking.”
“At this time, our facilities are not gluten-free certified,” Best Express Foods posted on its website.
“We provide full disclosure of additives in the ingredients list on all of our packaging. You will find that some of our products do not have added gluten, however, because gluten is airborne, we cannot formally state that our products are gluten-free.
“As the global understanding of gluten intolerances increases, we are working on creating a gluten-free certified facility for the future of our company, the company posted.
The product of concern, Aussie Bites, has been certified by GFCO since October 2022 and initially met the GFCO’s standards for gluten-free certification. Aussie Bites, sold within the United States and Canada, have been identified to contain an unsafe level of gluten for gluten-free consumers.
GFCO has withdrawn certification of the following brands and products produced by Best Express Foods:
Universal Bakery: Organic Aussie Bites, Organic Breakfast Energy Bars, Organic Paleo Bars, Organic Sunrise Energy Bars
SureLife Foods: Paleo Bars
Las Fortunitas: Corn Chips
Los Amigos: Corn Chips
GFCO’s requirements for gluten-free certification are designed to ensure that each product meets the highest safety standards. This comprehensive evaluation includes rigorous testing requirements, ingredient verification, and ongoing audits to maintain compliance. GFCO exists to protect the public. Companies who do not maintain the requirements of the certification or otherwise fail to adhere to their contractual obligations to GFCO are subject to having their certification revoked.
“The protection of the gluten-free community is our top priority, therefore we are taking decisive action to ensure gluten-free consumers’ safety,” stated Cynthia Kelly, CEO of the Gluten Intolerance Group.
Consumers are encouraged to be vigilant and check product labels for the GFCO certification mark and report any questions or concerns about a product’s safety at https://gfco.org/contact/. GFCO will continue to work diligently to protect the gluten-free community and maintain the integrity of its certification process.
For more information and updates regarding this certification rescission, please visit the GFCO website at www.gfco.org.
The Gluten-free Certification Organization, a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group, is a leading certification program for gluten-free products. Established in 2005, GFCO provides independent verification and certification of over 65,000 gluten-free products, ensuring the safety and trust of consumers. With a rigorous certification process and ongoing surveillance, GFCO aims to protect the gluten-free community and promote the availability of safe gluten-free options. For more information, please visit www.gfco.org.
The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association funded by private donations, sponsorship opportunities, and food safety programs. It relies on tax-deductible contributions to support its many innovative industry, service, social, and awareness programs. GIG has been a highly respected leader in the gluten-free community since it was founded in 1974. In addition to more than 80 local support groups across the United States, GIG’s mission is make life easier for everyone living gluten-free and accomplishes that through consumer support, education, and its food safety initiatives.
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization, a program of GIG, is a leader in the verification of quality, integrity, and purity of gluten-free products. The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program is a proven model of established best practices for foodservice facilities offering gluten-free options. GIG is committed to ongoing food safety research to assure customers and consumers the highest level of excellence in its gluten-free programs and services. For more information, visit www.gluten.org.
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American Cheese Society Debuts Redesigned Website
The American Cheese Society has launched a redesigned website, aimed at providing an enhanced user experience for members, industry professionals and cheese enthusiasts. The website, located at www.cheesesociety.org, features a fresh look and user-friendly navigation, and addresses the evolving needs of our diverse audience, aligning with our mission to inform, educate, and engage.
The primary objective of the redesigned website is to offer easy access to ACS programming and resources. “Our new site is designed to be a comprehensive resource for the cheese community, positioning ACS as a thought leader through enriched content and a more intuitive user experience,” said ACS Marketing Manager Endsley Eggert. “We listened to our users and are delivering a platform that meets their needs more effectively.”
Highlights of the New Website Include:
- Intuitive Navigation: Users will find it easier to locate information with a streamlined navigation structure.
- Optimized Design: The clean and focused design reflects ACS’s brand and commitment to quality.
- SEO Best Practices: The website is optimized to ensure high visibility in search engine results.
- Interactive Features: Functionalities include an email sign-up form, a robust search function, searchable directories, and an events calendar with submission capabilities.
- Mobile Optimization: The site is fully optimized for mobile devices, ensuring accessibility on the go.
The redesigned site also aims to convert new website traffic into members.
“We recognize the importance of engaging potential members by providing valuable content and a seamless user experience,” Eggert said. “Our goal is to grow our community while continuing to serve our current members with the resources they need.”
The new site consolidates and streamlines the extensive information from the previous website, making it more navigable and user-friendly. Additionally, the integration with MemberClicks ensures our Member Center and Learning Center are easily accessible, providing a cohesive experience for all users.
Explore the new ACS website at www.cheesesociety.org and experience the improved functionality and design. For more information, contact us at info@cheesesociety.org.
ACS is the leading organization supporting the understanding, appreciation, and promotion of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses produced in the Americas. At 2,300 members, ACS provides advocacy, education, business development, and networking opportunities for cheesemakers, retailers, enthusiasts, and extended industry. ACS strives to continually raise the quality and availability of cheese in the Americas. Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts the foremost annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and competition in North America. ACS is a 501(c)6 nonprofit association headquartered in Denver, Colo. To learn more about ACS, please visit www.cheesesociety.org or contact 720-328-2788.
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Crisp Power Healthy Pretzel Snack Launches in Select Costco Stores
Crisp Power, the latest launch from the snack innovators behind Dream Pretzel, is rolling out its healthy high-protein, low-carb pretzels in select Costco locations. Beginning June 1, the patent-pending pretzels will hit shelves to make snack time easier for Costco members starting with San Diego, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Denver and Utah with more to come. With this debut, now is the time to say goodbye to empty calorie snacks and deceptively sugary protein bars.With a large punch of protein in just one serving, Crisp Power makes snack time count. Crisp Power brings consumers a plant-based snack consisting of grains and legumes, with 15 grams of protein, 6 grams of dietary fiber, 3 grams of net carbohydrates and all nine necessary amino acids (BCAA) in one serving. These first-of-its-kind pretzels bring a more convenient and an even tastier option for protein consumption. While maintaining its status of being keto-friendly, diabetic-friendly, sugar-free and plant-based, the protein itself is a good source of protein certified by the FDA and is great for anyone looking to boost their daily protein consumption.
Crisp Power represents a new arena in the high-protein market where smart choices and incredible flavors come together to fuel the day, from the time folks start their workout, workday or weekend. With these new snacks, fitness lovers, busy moms, teens, tweens and every snacker in between gets a more convenient and tastier option for protein consumption. With no sugar at all, very few carbohydrates and no artificial flavors or fragrances, Crisp Power brings a high-quality protein that also contains all the necessary BCAAs for anyone looking to enrich their protein intake conveniently.
“After years of exploring and developing the perfect snack recipe that powers up the protein and dials down the carbs, we are overjoyed to finally introduce our delicious Crisp Power snack bags to Costco customers. Crisp Power’s patent-pending pretzels are irresistibly crunchy, deliciously versatile and full of both protein and fiber so our customers feel better with every bite,” said Gilad Zilberberg, founder, and CEO of Crisp Power.
Crisp Power is revolutionizing how simple it is to eat between meals with its Sea Salt, Sesame and Everything options. Every bite satisfies the craving for a savory treat yet empowers snackers to get what they need in a new way – beyond protein bars and power bites. Anyone can enjoy the power of the pretzel as a quick nosh straight out of the bag or paired with hummus, healthy dips and cheeses.
For those looking to grab a quick bite on the go, fuel up for a workout, or share with friends and family, Crisp Power is designed to fit seamlessly into everyday occasions. In the snack aisles often dominated by empty calorie options, Crisp Power aims to stand out as a beacon of health and flavor. Crisp Power is proud to introduce a product that challenges the norms of the snack aisle and offers a nutritious alternative. By entering the grocery shelves, the new protein pretzels will transform how people perceive snacks, showing that indulgence and health can coexist. Whether nestled among traditional snacks or highlighted in a health-focused section, Crisp Power is set to revolutionize snack time, offering a guilt-free, protein-rich choice for those in search of something better.
Costco shoppers can exclusively find Crisp Power’s unique value bags for this best-in-class better-for-you low-carb snack, for a total of 195 grams of protein per purchase; only 5 cents per gram!
Crisp Power is available at Costco in the San Diego Region while supplies last including stores in California, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and Utah with plans to roll out nationwide.
For more information, visit crisppower.com.
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