Wheatgrass, to label or not to label?

The proteins found in wheatgrass are not the same as those in wheat seeds. For example, pure wheatgrass does not contain gluten, while wheat seeds do. Thus, if you have a product that contains wheatgrass only (i.e. no seeds or seed contamination), an ELISA test will not detect any gluten – but a PCR test for wheat will be positive. This is because ELISA detects the gluten proteins found in the seeds, whereas PCR detects wheat DNA, which is found in all parts of the wheat plant.

Can Coeliac disease patients and individuals who are gluten intolerant consume wheatgrass?

Yes – provided that the wheatgrass is pure, and not contaminated by wheat seeds or seed residue.

Can individuals with wheat allergies consume wheatgrass?

There is little to no evidence that the proteins associated with wheat allergies persist in wheatgrass; thus, theoretically, pure wheatgrass should be safe. That said, individuals with wheat allergies are advised to err on the side of caution, due to potential contamination of the wheatgrass by wheat seed.

Testing representative samples of wheatgrass-containing product (or of the wheatgrass used in the product) for gluten can be a good indication of whether any wheat-seed contamination is present. This is especially valuable if the wheatgrass has been made into a powder, and cannot be visually inspected for wheat seeds.   

Can individuals with grass allergies consume wheatgrass?

There have been no reports indicating allergic reactions to wheatgrass, but whether there are cross-reactive proteins present has not been evaluated yet.

How do I list wheatgrass on my product label?

Let’s have a look at what the regulations say. 

R146 states the following regarding common allergens, and more specifically wheat (cereals):

‘cereal’ means a product derived from the grain or edible seed of any cultivated grasses of the family Poaceae which may be used as a food (e.g. wheat, rice, oats, barley, rye, maize, millet, etc.).

‘significant cereal’ means any one of the following cereals:

• Wheat, meaning any species belonging to the genus Triticum, including varieties such as kamut and spelt;
• Rye, meaning any species belonging to the genus Secale;
• Barley, meaning any species belonging to the genus Hordein;
• Oats; or
• Crossbred hybrids of wheat, rye or barley (e.g. triticale, which is a cross between wheat and rye).

‘common allergen’ means egg, cow’s milk, crustaceans and molluscs, fish, peanuts, soya beans, tree nuts and any significant cereals, as well as any ingredient derived from these foodstuffs that has retained its allergenicity in the final product.

Ingredient Indication?

In a case where wheatgrass is included as an ingredient, it need simply be listed as ‘wheatgrass’; as it does not meet the definition above for ‘significant cereal’, there is no associated allergen declaration that must be made alongside the ingredient.

Gluten-free claim?

If it can be proven – through testing – that no gluten contamination is present, a gluten-free claim can be made.

Wheat-free claim?

As we pointed out earlier, a test for wheat protein would produce a positive result; you are therefore not permitted to make a ‘wheat-free’ claim for a wheatgrass-containing product.

To conclude: although testing may prove the absence of gluten in wheatgrass, and provide evidence for a gluten-free claim, it may mislead consumers with wheat allergies.

The differences between coeliac disease, gluten intolerance and wheat allergy are often not well understood, and some see these terms as interchangeable. This could potentially result in someone who is wheat allergic thinking that they can safely consume a gluten-free product.

Be cautious in how you label wheatgrass. If you are unsure, feel free to contact one of our labelling experts.

Other articles you may be interested in: Gluten and Our Regulations.