Barrett Builds on MAHA Agenda, Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Require Clear Gluten Labeling

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) joined Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) and colleagues from both sides of the aisle in introducing the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026. This bill would amend the Food and Drug Administration's major food allergen labeling requirements to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat, closing a gap in federal law that leaves millions of Americans with celiac disease and gluten intolerance exposed to hidden sources of gluten.

"Families deserve to know exactly what's in the food they serve themselves and their children," said Barrett. "Clear labeling gives parents and consumers the transparency they need to make informed decisions and stay healthy. This bipartisan bill will help millions of people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance avoid hidden sources of gluten - giving families real peace of mind."

This action comes amid growing concern over the health risks posed by accidental gluten exposure. An estimated 25.7 million Americans have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or an IgE-mediated wheat allergy with potential cross-reactivity to barley, rye, and oats.

"I actually have a gluten intolerance myself, and it's terrifying when labels aren't clear because that can have serious medical consequences," said Luna. "Millions of Americans are affected by celiac disease or gluten intolerance; it's a real and serious issue, and it's time the food industry respected that. We need transparent labeling so Americans can make informed decisions and safeguard their health."

The legislation has also been championed by 13-year-old Jax Bari, known as the "MAHA Kid" and co-founder of Celiac Journey, whose advocacy has helped bring national attention to the gaps in federal gluten-labeling requirements.

"I'm grateful to Congresswoman Luna and the original co-sponsors for introducing the bipartisan FASTER Act of 2026 which will require the labeling of barley, rye, and oats as Major Food Allergens," said Jax Bari. "My goal is to eat without fear because celiac is every bite, every day - constant questioning, constant worrying. Just a crumb of gluten is like kryptonite to me. 87 other countries require the labeling of wheat, barley, rye and oats, including in Canada, in the United Kingdom and across the European Union. We're really behind in the United States, and the FASTER Act will help close the gap and better protect 729,000 kids like me with Celiac."

The FASTER Act is also cosponsored by Reps. Randy K. Weber Sr. (TX-14), Paul A. Gosar (AZ-09), Daniel Meuser (PA-09), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Michael Rulli (OH-06).

Click here to read the bill.

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