SCS Gluten-Free Certification

As a certifier, our job is to apply rigorous auditing and testing requirements. As a solutions partner, our goal is to work with our customers to ensure that you get the most out of your certification experience.

Certification benefits you by:

• Providing assurance to consumers that your products meet the strictest gluten-free standard
• Satisfying your retail and restaurant customers that your products meet the dietary restrictions of their patrons
• Provide assurance to international clients by certifying to various international gluten-free thresholds

Companies can pursue gluten free certification alone or efficiently combine it with other product certifications to satisfy a broad range of customer specifications and consumer market demand.

1. Complete Application

First, fill out the SCS application form to receive a complimentary quote.

2. Submit Documentation

Submit required documentation for your products, ingredients, and facilities.

3. Documentation Review

SCS technical staff reviews your documentation, evaluates risk of ingredients and facilities, and communicates gluten testing requirements.

4. On-Site Inspection

On-site plant audits (when required) are conducted to ensure that gluten-free ingredients and products can be produced in full conformance with the standard, without unintended contamination, and to collect product samples for gluten analysis.

5. Testing

SCS evaluates adherence to the risk-based sampling and testing plan prescribed, verifying that approved test kit or laboratory testing clearly demonstrates compliance with the SCS Standard’s strict limit of 10 ppm gluten.

6. Report

SCS produces a report detailing the outcome of the audit. If any nonconformities are identified, SCS can advise on corrective actions.

7. Certification

If your product meets the Standard’s criteria, you are issued a certificate of compliance valid for one year and are permitted to use the “SCS Gluten-Free” seal on product packaging in accordance with the SCS Label and Language Guide.

8. Renewal

Annual evaluation and ongoing testing are required to maintain SCS Gluten-Free certification status.

Why do I need Gluten-Free Certification?
Gluten-intolerant individuals and those with celiac disease cannot rely on allergen-free products that only address wheat. There are many lesser-known sources of gluten, such as rye, barley, triticale, spelt, farina, kamut, farro, and couscous. SCS Gluten-Free accounts for these, and any potential vectors for introduction into the supply chain. Backed with finished product and raw material testing, SCS Gluten-Free is a process-based certification that uses proven and trusted methodologies to ensure consumers receive products that meet the most restrictive gluten-free requirements available.

Does my facility require an on-site inspection?
Facilities that are dedicated to the production of gluten-free foods and do not allow gluten-containing ingredients or oats within the facility are eligible for a virtual inspection. Facilities that use gluten-containing ingredients or oats in non-certified products in the facility will require an on-site inspection by an SCS auditor to ensure segregation and clean-out procedures are adequate and being followed.

What is SCS’ role?
SCS is a certification body that carries out the rigorous audits and assessments required for food and beverage products to be certified under the SCS Gluten-Free Certification label. SCS offers a full suite of globally-recognized food and agricultural services under well-known certification labels such as Sustainably Grown®, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, GlobalGAP, SQF, Fair Trade USA, EFI, and more. In addition, we provide training and professional consultation services. SCS is ISO-17065 certified by the American National Standards Institute.