What symbol is used for gluten-free? An International Guide

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

The international Crossed Grain symbol, a circle with a grain stalk crossed out, is one of the most widely recognized visual cues for safe, gluten-free products. This mark, however, is not the only symbol for gluten-free foods, and consumers must understand the different certification marks to shop confidently and safely.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the primary symbols for certified gluten-free products, including the internationally recognized Crossed Grain logo and the GFCO mark. It details what each symbol signifies, the requirements for certification, and how to identify safe, processed foods when managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Key Points

Crossed Grain Symbol: This is the international symbol for certified gluten-free food, managed by European Coeliac Societies and recognized globally.
GFCO Mark: The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark is a trusted symbol, especially in North America, with a stricter gluten limit of 10 ppm or less.
FDA Regulations: In the US, the term 'gluten-free' requires products to have less than 20 ppm of gluten, but it does not require third-party certification.
Avoid 'May Contain' Labels: Statements warning of potential cross-contamination, such as 'may contain gluten,' should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Certification Means Assurance: Both the Crossed Grain and GFCO symbols signify that a product has undergone rigorous, independent testing and auditing to ensure safety.
Check for Context: It is important to know which symbols are most relevant in your region, though many are internationally recognized due to their high standards.

Understanding the Primary Gluten-Free Symbols

For individuals managing celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or a gluten allergy, identifying reliable gluten-free symbols on food packaging is crucial for safe consumption. While many regions require simply stating "gluten-free" on labels, third-party certification marks provide additional assurance. The most prominent symbols are the international Crossed Grain and the US-based GFCO mark.

The International Crossed Grain Symbol

The Crossed Grain symbol is a widely recognized international trademark administered by the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) and licensed globally through national coeliac societies. This circular mark features a stalk of grain with a diagonal line through it, signifying that the product meets audited standards for gluten-free safety.

Certification requirements for using this mark include meeting the international standard of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) gluten, undergoing annual independent audits, implementing risk analysis programs to prevent cross-contamination, and regular testing of ingredients and finished products. This symbol offers quick visual confirmation for safe products, aiding consumers globally.

The GFCO Certification Mark

In the United States and other countries, the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is a respected third-party certifier under the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). The GFCO mark clearly states "CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE" and adheres to stricter standards than many international benchmarks.

GFCO certification requires finished products and ingredients to contain 10 ppm of gluten or less. Their process involves risk-based testing tailored to specific products, comprehensive audits reviewing ingredients and manufacturing, and as a non-profit, GIG supports consumer education and advocacy.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Certification Marks


Feature	International Crossed Grain Symbol	GFCO Certification Mark (US)
Organization	Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) and national societies	Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
Target Market	Predominantly Europe, but internationally recognized	Primarily North America, but internationally recognized
Gluten Threshold	20 ppm or less	10 ppm or less, a stricter standard
Regulation	Licensed and regulated by national coeliac societies	Independent, third-party certification program
Audit Frequency	Annual third-party audits	Ongoing process, potentially involving more frequent checks depending on risk

Other Important Gluten-Free Labeling Information

Beyond these symbols, consumers should be aware of other labeling nuances.

"Gluten-Free" Claim: The FDA in the US regulates the term "gluten-free," requiring products to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. However, this claim is self-regulated and doesn't mandate third-party certification, potentially posing a slightly higher cross-contamination risk compared to certified items.
"May Contain" Statements: Warnings like "may contain traces of gluten" or similar phrases indicate potential cross-contamination. For individuals with celiac disease, these products should be strictly avoided.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Foods like fresh produce or unprocessed meats are naturally gluten-free. If these are processed, checking for added gluten or potential cross-contamination on the label is necessary.

Finding Reliable Gluten-Free Information

Accessing reliable resources is key to navigating gluten-free options safely. Organizations such as the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), Coeliac UK, and the National Celiac Association provide extensive product information and educational materials. They detail their certification standards and assist consumers in locating safe food choices, which is particularly helpful for those new to a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Recognizing the symbols used for gluten-free foods is essential for individuals managing related health conditions. The international Crossed Grain symbol and the GFCO mark are the most trusted indicators, supported by stringent third-party certification processes. While a basic "gluten-free" label in the US is FDA-regulated, these independent certification marks offer enhanced assurance. By understanding these symbols and avoiding cross-contamination warnings, consumers can make informed decisions. Consulting the websites of certifying organizations is recommended for comprehensive information. For more details and certified product listings, the Gluten-Free Certification Organization website is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Crossed Grain symbol is an internationally recognized trademark that indicates a product has been certified to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. It is regulated by the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) and its national members.

A GFCO certified product meets a stricter standard of less than 10 ppm of gluten and undergoes regular third-party audits. A product simply labeled 'gluten-free' in the US is self-regulated and must meet the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm, without mandatory independent verification.

Yes, anyone with celiac disease should avoid products with 'may contain gluten' warnings. This label indicates a risk of cross-contamination during production, making the product unsafe for sensitive individuals.

The Crossed Grain symbol is internationally recognized, but in the US, the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark is more prevalent. Some products sold in the US may carry both labels, especially if they are distributed globally.

Naturally gluten-free products, such as raw fruit, vegetables, and unprocessed meats, do not carry a certified symbol because they do not require special handling to ensure gluten-free status. Certification is primarily for processed or multi-ingredient products where cross-contamination is a risk.

You can find lists of certified products on the websites of the certifying organizations. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) website lists its certified brands, and Coeliac UK provides a searchable Food and Drink Guide.

No, while the Crossed Grain symbol is internationally recognized, different regions may use different certification marks. For example, the GFCO mark is common in North America, and other national societies may have slightly different logos. Always check the standards behind the symbol.