Bipartisan Bill Would Expand Major Food Allergen Labeling to Barley, Rye and Oats

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has introduced the bipartisan Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026, legislation that would amend the FDA’s major food allergen labeling requirements to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat.

The bill would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by replacing “wheat” in the definition of a major food allergen with “gluten-containing grain,” defined to include wheat, barley, rye, oats and crossbred hybrids such as triticale. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on celiac disease surveillance, diagnostics, prevention, risk reduction and the development of new treatments.

“I actually have a gluten intolerance myself, and it’s terrifying when labels aren’t clear, because that can have serious medical consequences,” said Luna. “Millions of Americans are affected by celiac disease or gluten intolerance; it’s a real and serious issue, and it’s time the food industry respected that. We need transparent labeling so Americans can make informed decisions and safeguard their health.”

Since 2006, federal law has required wheat to be identified as a major food allergen, while barley, rye, and oats have remained outside the mandatory labeling requirement.

The legislation has been championed by 13-year-old Jax Bari, co-founder of Celiac Journey, who has advocated for expanded federal gluten-labeling requirements.

“I’m grateful to Congresswoman Luna and the original co-sponsors for introducing the bipartisan FASTER Act of 2026, which will require the labeling of barley, rye and oats as major food allergens,” said Bari. “My goal is to eat without fear because celiac is every bite, every day — constant questioning, constant worrying. Just a crumb of gluten is like kryptonite to me. 87 other countries require the labeling of wheat, barley, rye and oats, including in Canada, in the United Kingdom and across the European Union. We’re really behind in the United States, and the FASTER Act will help close the gap and better protect 729,000 kids like me with celiac.”

View the full bill text here.