Endangered Species Chocolate receives gluten-free certification
Certification brings relief to those with Celiac Disease
INDIANAPOLIS – The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) has deemed Endangered Species Chocolate products worthy of the Certified Gluten-Free™ symbol. This important certification indicates to consumers that the chocolate products do not contain wheat or related grains that prove problematic for those with Celiac Disease, a gluten intolerance.
Endangered Species Chocolate receives several inquiries each week from customers concerned about gluten and Celiac Disease:
“Due to health problems I am trying to eliminate Gluten from my diet. How can I find out if this bar is Gluten free, and which of your other bars are Gluten free?”
“Most people with celiac disease won’t touch products that don’t have the Gluten-Free stamp. Are your products gluten free?“
“Are your chocolate bars gluten free? I have celiac disease and am having a time trying to find a chocolate bar that I can eat.“
Gluten-free certification benefits consumers by giving them confidence that a product is free from gluten-related allergens. This not only reassures the consumer that the product has been tested and the site inspected, but it also saves the consumer time that would have been spent calling the manufacturer for the gluten-free status of the product.
“Being certified assures our customers that we’re committed to making healthful chocolate,” says Becky Kingery, quality coordinator for Endangered Species Chocolate. “GFCO lab-tested our chocolate and performed an audit of our facility during the certification process.”
In addition to being certified gluten-free, Endangered Species Chocolate also holds kosher, vegan and organic certifications.
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What is gluten?
Gluten is the common name for proteins in certain cereal grains that are harmful to persons suffering from Celiac Disease. These proteins are found in all forms of wheat and related grains, rye, barley, and triticale (a rye and wheat combination). Only gluten proteins from wheat, rye and barley are problems for gluten intolerant people.
About GFCO
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) provides an independent service to supervise gluten-free food production according to a consistent, defined, science-based standard that is confirmed by third-party audits, and frequent product testing at the manufacturing facility and from the consumer purchase point in order to achieve heightened consumer confidence and safety.
About Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease is a lifelong autoimmune intestinal disorder, found in individuals who are genetically susceptible. Damage to the mucosal surface of the small intestine is caused by an immunologically toxic reaction to the ingestion of gluten and interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Celiac Disease is unique in that a specific food component, gluten, has been identified as the trigger.
About Endangered Species Chocolate
Indianapolis-based Endangered Species Chocolate is fully committed to providing premium, all-natural ethically traded, naturally shade-grown, and kosher products, as well as products that are certified vegan and organic. To honor its core value – Reverence for Life – ESC confirms that all beans used in its products are purchased from small, family-owned properties where the income benefits the community. The company also donates 10-percent of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. The number one best selling brand of natural and organic chocolate in the natural food category, ESC offers more than 30 products.
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