Tim Hortons Receives GFCP Certification For Its New Gluten-Free Macaroon
Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) July 11, 2013 -- It is not a simple task for the estimated 2,300,000 Canadians affected by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, to grab a quick snack and eat-on-the-go, as hidden sources of gluten in products can be challenging to identify. Even when following a strict gluten-free diet approximately 43% of celiac consumers still suffer with small intestinal damage and the culprit is largely due to out-of-home dining experiences. To help make that choice easier, Tim Hortons is now offering a new Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon – the first menu item in a Canadian quick-service restaurant to be certified by the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Gluten-Free Certification Program.
The Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) trademark on food packages indicates that a manufacturer has participated in this voluntary program, which has been designed to assure consumers that the products they are purchasing are manufactured gluten-free throughout their production process.
The GFCP program is founded on stringent and proven, food safety programs and further verified by a robust independent audit process. In Canada, the GFCP is endorsed by one of North Americas leading celiac organizations, the Canadian Celiac Association. By seeing the GFCP trademark on gluten-free products consumers can shop with confidence and know the products they are purchasing meet the industry’s strictest gluten-free requirements.
"It is terrific to have a much loved Canadian food service chain identify the gluten-free opportunity, seek and pass the GFCP audit process while supporting the needs of the celiac community," says Peter Taylor, Executive Director, Canadian Celiac Association.
The new Tim Hortons' Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroon is a meringue-style cookie made with real coconut and drizzled with milk chocolate, and is sold in a pre-wrapped two-piece package to avoid cross contamination and ensure safety.
About Tim Hortons Inc.
Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots, specialty teas, fruit smoothies, home-style soups, fresh Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of March 31st, 2013, Tim Hortons had 4,288 systemwide restaurants, including 3,453 in Canada, 808 in the United States and 27 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at http://www.timhortons.com. Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/timhortons.
About the Canadian Celiac Association
The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is the national voice for people who are adversely affected by gluten, and is dedicated to improving diagnosis and quality of life. Based in Mississauga, Ontario with 28 Chapters across the country, its mission includes advocacy, education, research and community support. More information about the Association is available at http://www.celiac.ca. Follow the CCA on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CCAceliac.
About the Gluten-Free Certification Program
The Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) is a voluntary certification program designed to help brand owners to differentiate their gluten-free products from the increasing clutter of gluten-free claims in the marketplace. Based on a robust third-party audit certification process at the manufacturing facility, the GFCP verifies their ability to regularly meet stringent requirements, when managing gluten as part of their ongoing food safety programs. More information about GFCP is available at http://www.glutenfreecertification.ca.
The GFCP trademark displayed on product packaging is endorsed by the Canadian Celiac Association and was developed so consumers can shop with confidence by selecting those safe, reliable and gluten-free products, displaying this trademark.
Tricia Ryan, The Gluten-Free Certification Program, http://www.glutenfreecertification.ca, 866-817-0952 230, [email protected]
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