Representatives Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) have introduced a new bill that would require drug companies to disclose if there is any type of gluten in their ingredients. With the number of Celiac and gluten sensitive people growing, Rep. Ryan says this,
“The United States already mandates that food products containing wheat are adequately labeled and there is no reason why we shouldn’t do the same for our medications,”
I received a twitter message from him today saying,
“This is a serious health risk that affects millions of Americans & I will do everything in my power to rectify it”
I also received a couple messages asking the same questions. The first one is from Elishia Smith,
“I called local pharmacies around my area to see if they knew any thing about the Gluten in meds. I was so frustrated to find no answer CVS gave me a # to poison control. We really need this new bill to pass.”
This second one is from Gerry Doherty,
“I had a pharmacist call a drug manufacturer and they could not verify if the ingredients/components contained the g word. Kinda scary. Their suppliers did not go to that detail.”
This is a step in the right direction for Celiac Awareness and is a much needed bill. Prescriptions and vitamins are something people do not consider to be glutenous until after eliminating all other gluten sources from diet and still feeling symptoms.
I applaud Reps Ryan & Lowey for continuing the cause and helping the Celiac fight in Washington.
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