Do you need gluten free text as well as gluten free icon on pack?

Hello,

Is it sufficient to only have the gluten free icon on pack (with no written statements such as "gluten free")?

We have a product which is multilingual and so to avoid having to translate "gluten free" multiple times - we'd like to use the gluten free icon. 

Any thoughts are welcome.

Thanks,

Alfie

Hello,

 

Is it sufficient to only have the gluten free icon on pack (with no written statements such as "gluten free")?

We have a product which is multilingual and so to avoid having to translate "gluten free" multiple times - we'd like to use the gluten free icon. 

 

Any thoughts are welcome.

 

Thanks,

Alfie

Worst Case Scenario = Somewhere on Earth = NO

Worst Case Scenario = Somewhere on Earth = NO

 Sorry Charles can you elaborate   :eek_yello:

 Sorry Charles can you elaborate   :eek_yello:

Hi Alfred,

TBH, I wasn't aware that an icon even existed.

Does it have to be universally acceptable ?

First case is that your product happens upon a region that is too strict with the exact wording of the health claim and the second is that some people may not recognize the gluten free symbol.

In both cases though you are not misleading the consumer and most of all you don't induce a possible safety issue, cause if gluten intolerant people don't recognize the symbol they will just avoid it.

So it comes down if you want to take a risk with the strictness of the legislation in the countries you export and the commercial awareness of the consumers in terms of the symbol recognition.

You'll also want to check that the symbol you're planning to use isn't covered by a trademark - e.g. the "crossed grain" symbol in the UK ;)

Others have addressed the possible ramifications but to add the perspective of a gluten-free consumer — I would not purchase this item. I would assume you were trying to have it both ways — to appeal to gluten-free people without having to take on the legal responsibility / financial burden of ensuring the food was actually gluten-free. 

If you're going through the trouble of keeping the item safe, you might as well communicate it!