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with the aforementioned company too high of a risk for both GFCO and the gluten-free public; therefore, we have withdrawn the certification of BEF/Universal Baking.”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GFCO has withdrawn certification of the following brands and products produced by Best Express Foods: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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Bridgetown Mushrooms, RPG Coffee Launch Kind Coffee Cooperative
Bridgetown Mushrooms, renowned for its commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices, is partnering with RPG Coffee in launching the innovative Kind Coffee Cooperative. This unique collaboration, which also includes the involvement of the nonprofit kindness.org, brings to the market a coffee blend designed to support global kindness initiatives and research and promote well-being and environmental sustainability.
Kind Coffee Cooperative will introduce its on-the-go, mushroom-and-aloe-infused coffee for the first time to attendees of Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette, La., April 24-28.
The cooperative is a fusion of exceptional coffee craftsmanship and the healing power of nature, featuring RPG Coffee’s expertise in coffee blending, Bridgetown Mushrooms’ organic lion’s mane mushrooms, and the benefits of aloe. A portion of the proceeds from every sale will be donated to kindness.org to support research into the science of kindness, reflecting our collective dedication to making a positive impact on humanity.
Chris Capozzoli, CEO of RPG Coffee, shared his perspective: “Our collaboration with Bridgetown Mushrooms, incorporating their lion’s mane mushrooms into our coffee and structured aloe is more than just innovative—it’s transformative. The result is a coffee with a truly unique and delicious flavor profile that yields myriad health benefits. There’s nothing else quite like it.”
Rana DiOrio, chief product officer of Bridgetown Mushrooms, expressed excitement about the launch: “We are thrilled to launch our latest product at Festival International de Louisiane, an event that not only celebrates the vibrant spirit and power of global music but also embodies the very essence of community and kindness. This launch represents our commitment to fostering a healthier and kinder world, and we can’t wait to share it with you at Festival.”
Jaclyn Lindsey, CEO of Kindness.org, also shared her enthusiasm: “We are deeply honored to be a part of this initiative with RPG Coffee and Bridgetown Mushrooms. The Kind Coffee Co-Op is more than a beverage; it’s an embodiment of a shared commitment to fostering kindness and well-being across the globe. Each purchase contributes to our efforts to spread kindness through research and programs worldwide.”
For those looking to indulge in a unique coffee experience while contributing to a kinder world, pre-orders for Kind Coffee Cooperative™ are now available at www.choosekindcoffee.com. Enter the code FESTIVAL at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase through May 31.
Bridgetown Mushrooms is a leading producer of gourmet and functional mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. The company cultivates an array of high-quality organic mushrooms, catering to both commercial enterprises and individual consumers. In addition to diverse mushroom offerings, they develop and distribute mushroom-based products throughout the nation. Bridgetown also provides a comprehensive range of mycology supplies, supporting the expanding needs of commercial mushroom farmers across the United States.
Real People Giving (RPG) Coffee is a distinguished, veteran-owned and operated enterprise that is making waves in the wellness industry. Specializing in the development of whole food ingredients-based supplements and exceptional coffee, RPG Coffee exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to giving back. RPG generously allocates a portion of its profits to support nonprofits that resonate with its mission of promoting positive impact and community upliftment.
Kindness.org is a non-profit fueled by the belief that kindness is humanity’s greatest asset. Grounded in leading-edge research, kindness.org uses science to create solutions that help people everywhere build a kinder world.
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Whole Foods Market Names Supplier All-Star Awards of 2023
Whole Foods Market announced the recipients of its highly anticipated Supplier All-Star Awards for 2023. The 16 brands recognized exemplify excellence through quality, innovation, value, and sustainability, while enhancing the shopping experience in stores across the country and supporting Whole Foods Market’s purpose to nourish people and the planet.
This year’s awardees represent a diverse array of brands that have left an incredible mark on Whole Foods Market’s aisles, ranging from 4 to 40 years on the retailer’s shelves. As Whole Foods Market celebrates the 12th anniversary of these awards, it underscores the company’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating outstanding partners.
“We are proud to shine a spotlight on this committed group of suppliers and the remarkable contributions they’ve made to enriching our customer’s shopping experiences, advancing our purpose, and pushing the boundaries of excellence within the industry,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer. “These suppliers embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that Whole Foods Market was built upon more than 40 years ago. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s Supplier All-Stars for their well-deserved recognition.”
The recipients of the Supplier All-Star Awards are handpicked by a dedicated team of Whole Foods Market leaders, category experts, and merchants, spanning all departments and product categories, including Private Label, Produce, Specialty, Seafood, Meat, Grocery, Culinary, and Whole Body.
Whole Foods Market’s Supplier All-Stars for 2023 include:
– ALOHA
– Amylu Foods
– Atlantic Sea Farms
– Bridor
– Chelten House
– Dr. Bronner’s
– FoodMatch
– Forever Cheese
– Happy Dirt
– Health-Ade
– LaBelle Patrimoine
– Lundberg Family Farms
– Pacific Seafood
– Rainier Fruit Co
– Siete Family Foods
– Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Founded in 1980, Austin-based Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer and the first certified organic national grocer in the United States. Part of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores, Whole Foods Market serves customers in more than 530 stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Whole Foods Market, please visit https://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/.
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