"FASTER Act of 2026"
Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2026
Transparency & Verification
Verified from Official SourcePolicy Pantry collects information from official and trusted public sources. Legislative information can change quickly. Always review the linked official government source for the most current details.
AI Plain-Language Summary
Click "Generate" to create an AI-powered plain-language summary of this legislation.
Summary
Bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include barley, rye, and oats as major food allergens alongside wheat. The bill replaces 'wheat' with 'gluten-containing grain' (defined as wheat, rye, barley, oats, and crossbred hybrids like triticale) in the major food allergen definition, closing a labeling gap that leaves millions of Americans with celiac disease and gluten intolerance exposed to hidden gluten sources. Also directs HHS to report to Congress on celiac disease surveillance, diagnostics, prevention, and treatment development within one year of enactment.
Full Description
SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the 'Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2026' or the 'FASTER Act of 2026'. SEC. 2. INCLUSION OF BARLEY, RYE, AND OATS AS MAJOR FOOD ALERGENS. Amends Section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) by striking 'wheat' and inserting 'gluten-containing grain' in subsection (qq)(1), and adds a definition: 'gluten-containing grain' means wheat (genus Triticum), rye (genus Secale), barley (genus Hordeum), oats (Avena sativa), or a crossbred hybrid such as triticale. Requires the FDA to revise the Manual of Compliance Policy Guides within 1 year. Applicability: foods introduced into interstate commerce on or after 1 year after enactment. SEC. 3. REPORT ON CELIAC DISEASE. Directs the Secretary of HHS to submit to Congress a report on celiac disease surveillance, prevalence data, diagnostics, prevention, risk reduction, and new therapeutics within 1 year of enactment.
Legislative Intent
To protect the estimated 25.7 million Americans with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or wheat allergy by ensuring transparent food labeling of all gluten-containing grains, bringing U.S. standards in line with 87 other countries including Canada, the UK, and EU member states.
Key Provisions
1) Expands major food allergen definition to include barley, rye, oats, and triticale alongside wheat. 2) Requires FDA to revise compliance policy guides within 1 year. 3) Effective 1 year post-enactment for interstate commerce. 4) Mandates HHS report to Congress on celiac disease surveillance, diagnostics, prevention, and treatment within 1 year.
Who This Bill Serves & Who's Backing It
Core Patient Populations
People with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Advocacy Groups Backing This Legislation
No advocacy organizations are currently tracked as backing this bill.Browse advocacy organizations →
Legislative Timeline
Votes & Legislative History
Public Access to Epinephrine
Public Access to Epinephrine Act
Allows authorized entities, including camps and sports venues, to acquire and stock epinephrine auto-injectors and nasal sprays for emergency use on individuals experiencing anaphylaxis, regardless of prior diagnosis.
Alex's Law
Student Self-Carry and Administration
Allows students to carry and self-administer life-saving medication on school premises, school buses, and during school activities with proper medical and parental authorization.
School Stocking Law
School Epinephrine and Albuterol Stocking
Permits schools to stock and administer emergency epinephrine and albuterol, requiring training for designated personnel and established emergency protocols.
While we strive for accuracy, information may change over time. Always double-check and verify against official sources before relying on it.