H.R. 9988 — FASTER Act of 2026

This section expands the definition of major food allergens under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to cover gluten-containing grains. It replaces the term “wheat” with “gluten-containing grain” and defines that term to include wheat, rye, barley, and oats, as well as any crossbred hybrids such as triticale. The section requires the Food and Drug Administration to revise its Manual of Compliance Policy Guides on major food allergens within 1 year of enactment. The changes apply to food introduced into interstate commerce on or after the date that is 1 year after enactment.

This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit a report within one year of enactment to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on surveillance and data collection regarding the prevalence of Celiac disease in the United States and the severity of allergic reactions to specific foods in affected individuals, gaps in such data, development of diagnostics, methods for preventing onset or reducing risks of living with the disease, and new therapeutics to prevent, treat, cure, or manage Celiac disease.