Trace labelling of milk & wheat

At its 80th workshop in November 2017, the ALTS dealt with the question of whether there is a misleading trace of milk or wheat with simultaneous labelling as „lactose-free“ or „gluten-free“.

„Lactose-free“ & „gluten-free“

As a result, the indication „may contain traces of milk“ with simultaneous labelling as „lactose-free“ is permissible and does not constitute a contradiction. The same applies to the label „May contain traces of wheat“ if the product has been labelled „gluten-free“. If the current conditions for the terms „lactose-free“ and „gluten-free“ are met, there is no misleading evidence for milk or wheat. The indication „gluten-free“ is a claim with a legally established limit value of 20 mg/kg according to Regulation (EC) No. 828/2014.

The background for this decision is that the medical terms „gluten intolerance“ or „lactose intolerance“ and „milk protein allergy“ or „wheat allergy“ must be objectively distinguished.