Bill > HR9988

This bill, known as the FASTER Act of 2026, aims to enhance food allergy safety by amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include barley, rye, and oats as major food allergens, alongside wheat, which will now be referred to as "gluten-containing grains." This change means that foods containing these grains will be subject to stricter labeling requirements, similar to other major allergens like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and fish, to help individuals with allergies avoid them. The bill also mandates that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) update its compliance guidance within one year of enactment and that these new allergen rules will apply to foods introduced into commerce one year after the bill becomes law. Furthermore, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to submit a report to Congress within a year, detailing current knowledge and identifying gaps in research and data collection regarding Celiac disease, including its prevalence, severity of reactions, diagnostic tools, prevention methods, and potential new treatments.