In 2004, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) tasked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop and finalize standards for gluten-free labeling. Due in 2008, the celiac community is still waiting for FDA to fulfill that mandate. To the millions of Americans who eat gluten-free food, the lack of a standard is a big deal.

In January 2011, frustrated by the lack of progress on the labeling front two gluten-free activists, triathlete John Forberger, and Jules Shepard author of “The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten-Free,” devised a plan to build the world’s tallest gluten-free cake. They rallied leaders throughout the celiac community and beyond to join them in May, in the nation’s capitol, to kick-off Celiac Awareness Month. The goal -- refocus attention on the overdue labeling rules. That effort, along with the weight of the world's largest gluten-free cake, had an impact that resonated across the country.

Were we successful? Read on

The Countdown Begins

The FDA has a goal of finishing the gluten-free standards by the end September. That means there are 137 days until (fingers crossed) the U.S. finally has clear GF labeling, counting down from the start of National Celiac Awareness Month on May 1st. Enter the cupcake contest and you may see your entry featured on this site.

Cupcakes With A Cause

A year ago, news outlets from coast to coast were buzzing about gluten-free labeling. Activist chefs gathered in Washington, DC, to build the world's tallest gluten free cake, while advocates hosted a summit for gluten-free labeling.

Congress and the FDA heard us and we ate cake!

This year, it's cake for one. We invite everyone to make cupcakes - - one for every year they have been gluten-free. Take a picture, and share it with the community by posting to our Cupcakes With A Cause event page on Facebook. Then, post to your Facebook page, blog and link to back to the event page. The more likes we receive the more voices will be heard from our virtual community.

Is Your Cake The One? We hope so. Vote for your favorite cupcake by "liking" the photos on Facebook. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

• Best presentation;
• Most unique decorations;
• Most years being gluten-free;
• Kids Corner – under 12 and Over 12 (as of May 1st)

The cupcake photos with the most ‘likes’ will receive gifts of gluten-free products and coupons. Sponsors of the event are among the companies you know and love - - Glutino, Enjoy Life Foods, Jules Gluten Free, Mary's Gone Crackers, Savory Palate (Carol Fenster), Gluten-Free Makeovers (Beth Hillson), Delight Gluten Free Magazine, Pamela’s, and many more. Interested in being a sponsor? Email us.

Spread the word.

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