Gluten-Free Certification for Food Service Establishments
The Gluten-Free Food Program (GFFP) certification for food service establishments ensures all elements are in place for the consistent sourcing, menu planning, preparation, and serving of safe, reliable gluten-free foods, and brings immediate recognition within the gluten-free community to help grow the business. GFFP is in partnership and endorsed by The National Celiac Association (NCA) the most recognized and reputable advocacy group that provides education, and support for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. GFFP certification and NCA recognition helps businesses gain a competitive advantage that leads to customer loyalty, encourages returning business, and increases sales.
GFFP is Your Premier Partner in Gluten-Free Certification
When you work with GFFP, know you are working with an organization that is committed to helping our customers remain competitive in the ever-growing gluten-free market and achieve lasting brand loyalty.
Developed by Experts
GFFP's Standards have been developed by industry specialists for the food service industry.
High Standards
GFFP’s standards cover the requirements of a gluten-free diet and known food allergens recognized in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Efficient & Affordable
GFFP's requirements are developed with our customers in mind. A great customer experience and lower costs are top priorities.
True Personalized Service
We recognize that each GFFP customer is unique, so we tailor how we work to support each customers’ business and food service systems, all delivered with excellent and timely customer service.
Trusted Gluten-Free Restaurants: Our Certified Clients
- Increases recognition of the establishment within your geographic region.
- Receive free listing on GF-Finder.com website to promote your business.
- Gain additional social media coverage.
- Receive valuable endorsement by the National Celiac Association (NCA).
- Offers a competitive advantage to connect with the celiac community and the wider gluten-free consumer audience.
- Supports personal passion to serve safe and reliable gluten-free food.
- Opportunity to include gluten-free diners to grow customer base and increase sales.
- Demonstrates that the food establishment adheres to government regulations when making gluten-free claims.
- Assigns essential gluten-free duties for front and back of house staff to observe.
- Builds trust and loyalty for the establishment with gluten-free diners.
- Receive gluten-free training for staff.
- Gives confidence to staff when dealing with a gluten-free customer.
- Assists with the development and management of the gluten-free menu.
- Supports planning, directing, and controlling of the gluten-free operations.
- Gluten-free protocols to monitor overall performance of the operations.
- Ensures knowledge to communicate customer’s gluten-free needs and concerns.
- Set work schedules and monitor staff performance.
- Trained and prepared to answer detailed questions about menu, cooking/serving methods and ingredients.
- Gluten-free training and better job performance leads to greater job satisfaction.
- Assist a gluten-free customers make safe choices.
- Confidently answer questions, or risk losing customers.
- Gluten-free knowledge and skills means delivering better service and bigger tips.
- Want to avoid mistakes and potential illness when serving a gluten-free customer.
- Know the establishment they are working for is socially responsible.
- Need to know servers are gluten-free trained for a confident dining experience.
- Cross-contamination and cross-contact concerns can be communicated and addressed.
- Establishment is educated in gluten-free cuisine and ingredients that involve gluten.
- Can ask specific questions about the menu, cooking/serving methods and ingredients.
- Access to a reliable restaurant website and can call ahead to inquire about gluten-free menu options.
- A good experience will ensure a good tip for servers.
- Happy gluten-free customers are loyal and will return bringing family and friends.
- Will choose a gluten-free certified establishment over one which is not.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Grandy Organics
Sauce Goddess Gourmet
Prevail Jerky
4USnacks
Boost Your Sales with GFFP Certification!
Discover how GFFP certification, endorsed by the National Celiac Association (NCA), can give your business a competitive edge and increase sales. In this short video, you’ll learn how to connect with three key customer groups that drive the gluten-free market—helping you attract loyal customers and grow your brand.
Watch now to unlock new opportunities in the gluten-free industry!
The Gluten-Free Food Program, is proud to recognize PowerSoul Cafe for setting the groundbreaking standard for fast food in the US. Their commitment to quality and gluten-free safety has not gone unnoticed.
PowerSoul Cafe has raised the bar by achieving GFFP’s highest industry standard for gluten-free certification. This commitment ensures that every bite aligns with the highest level of safety, and confidence with customers that their gluten-free dietary needs are supported.
Together, with trailblazers like PowerSoul Cafe, GFFP is leading the charge to raise awareness about gluten-free standards and improve options for those who depend on them.
GFFP Approved Mark of Trust™
Displaying the GFFP Approved Mark of Trust™ on menu boards, store front doors and windows gives added assurance to consumers looking for a safe, reliable gluten-free dining experience they can trust.
GFFP Approved Mark of Trust™ is easily identifiable and shows consumers that restaurant & food service establishments bearing the logo have effective strategies to prevent cross-contact and maintain gluten-free integrity. Establishments that adhere to these high standards showcase their dedication to food safety through documented training, expertise, and well-defined processes that adhere to government food labeling regulations in the United States and Canada. This instills confidence in customers that their dietary needs are recognized and that gluten-free meals are prepared safely and responsibly.
National Celiac Association endorsement provides restaurants & food service establishments with a powerful supporting message to help effectively market and communicate with the gluten-free community, build genuine relationships and maximize long-term customer loyalty.
GFFP Gluten-Free Certification for Food Service Establishments
GFFP provides gluten-free standards, best-in-class conformance specifications and GF-Smart™ Training designed specifically for the food service industry. GFFP benefits a wide range of businesses including restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, schools and universities, seniors’ residences and hospitals as well as caterers, remote camps, executive dining rooms, hotels and convention centers. Implementation of the GFFP’s Standards increases consumer confidence that gluten-free food handling procedures have been reviewed by a neutral party and confirms a sincere commitment to the gluten-free diner.
The GF-Approved program establishes a comprehensive set of standards and procedures that food service establishments follow to ensure safe handling practices for gluten-free food production and service. Designed as Best Practices for the industry, these guidelines help providers implement effective strategies to prevent cross-contact and maintain gluten-free integrity. Establishments that meet these rigorous standards can demonstrate their commitment to food safety through documented training, knowledge, and processes—giving customers confidence that their dietary needs are understood and that safe gluten-free meals are prepared with care.
GFFP certifies both dedicated and non-dedicated gluten-free food service establishments, so long as those establishments conform to the requirements as set out in the GFFP Standards.
Once certified, an establishments can enter into a license agreement and receive the GFFP Approved Mark of Trust™ displaying the establishment as trusted place for a safe and reliable gluten-free dining experience.
FAQ's: Food service Establishments
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about gluten-free certification for Food Service Establishments.
What are the advantages of GFFP gluten-free certification for Food Service Establishments?
GFFP gluten-free certification helps food service establishments reduce cross-contamination risk by verifying that their kitchen practices, storage, and staff procedures meet strict gluten-free safety standards. It strengthens customer trust by giving diners the reassurance of the respected GFFP Certified Mark of Trust™. Certification also creates a competitive advantage by attracting loyal gluten-free customers who actively seek safe, reliable places to eat.
What are the costs involved?
For food service establishments, the costs are simple and predictable: you pay an annual certification licence based on the size and type of your operation. This fee covers your review, support, staff training materials, and use of the GFFP Certified Mark of Trust™. There are no per-staff charges or hidden fees, making it easy to budget year after year.
What's the process of getting my operation certified and how long does it take?
The process is straightforward: you complete a short application, then we guide you through a clear checklist of kitchen procedures, storage practices, and safety steps required to meet GFFP standards. Once your documentation and processes are reviewed and approved, we issue your certification and provide the GFFP Certified Mark of Trust™ for immediate use. Most food service operations complete the entire process within 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly they work through the checklist and respond to our team.
to get my operation to meet your standards, how do i know what i need to change so i can get certified?
We give you a clear, simple checklist that shows exactly what your operation needs to meet GFFP standards — covering kitchen practices, storage, cleaning routines, and staff procedures. Our team reviews your current setup and tells you precisely what needs adjusting, improving, or adding. This way, you know exactly what to change before certification, with no guesswork.
Do my staff need special training, and if so, how can they get trained, and how much does it cost per person?
Yes — staff need basic gluten-free safety training so everyone understands cross-contamination risks and proper handling. We provide simple, practical online training materials that your team can complete quickly, and there is a small fee per person.
how about my kitchen, and beverage serving area, can i use the existing, or do i need to section off parts of my operation to cater for preparing gluten-free foods and beverage?
In most cases, you can use your existing kitchen and beverage areas — you don’t need to build a separate section. What matters is having clear procedures to prevent cross-contamination, such as dedicated utensils, proper cleaning routines, and safe storage practices. We guide you through exactly what adjustments are needed so your current setup can safely meet GFFP standards without major renovations.
How difficult is it to maintain gluten-free certification once I’m approved?
Maintaining certification is straightforward — as long as you continue following the same gluten-free safety procedures you put in place during approval. We provide simple guidelines to keep your kitchen consistent, and most restaurants find the day-to-day routine easy to manage. You’ll also receive occasional check-ins and support from our team to ensure everything stays on track.
Will certification increase my customer base, and how do owners of gluten-free establishments find my food service operation?
Yes — certification can grow your customer base because gluten-free diners and food-service buyers actively look for safe, verified suppliers they can trust. Your certified operation will be listed on GF-Finder (www.gf-finder.com), our public directory used by restaurant owners, caterers, and gluten-free consumers to locate certified food-service providers. You can also promote the GFFP Certified Mark of Trust™ on your website, packaging, and marketing materials, making it easy for businesses and customers to recognise you as a reliable gluten-free partner.
I purchase a licence from you, correct, how long does it last and how do I renew it for next year?
Yes — your certification includes a 12-month licence to use the GFFP Certified Mark of Trust™. Renewal is simple: we send you a reminder before your licence expires, you confirm that your gluten-free procedures are still in place, and you complete a quick annual review. Once renewed, your certification and directory listing continue seamlessly for another year.
Endorsed by the National Celiac Association
National Celiac Association endorsement gives your gluten-free brand a powerful message to effectively reach and resonate with the gluten-free community. This builds genuine relationships and fosters long-term customer loyalty. Gluten-Free Food Program is the only gluten free certification organization endorsed by the NCA.
Steps to Become GFFP Certified in the Approved Foods Recognition Program
GFFP certification is based on an evaluation your menu and methods for preparing and serving allergen-free food for people with special dietary needs. Certification also includes AF-Smart™ Training covering the essential elements for the consistent sourcing, menu planning, preparation, and serving of safe, reliable allergen-free foods.
Step 1: Request and return the GFFP Pre-certification Evaluation Form
Prior to certification, you will be issued the GFFP Pre-Certification Evaluation form for completion and return to GFFP by email:
To understand your readiness for GFFP certification, the evaluation form is provided to understand and assess key factors about your existing operations and methods for preparing and serving allergen-free food. Upon completion, GFFP will schedule a call or Zoom meeting to discuss the results and present areas for improvement if any, to ensure a successful certification outcome.
Step 2: AF-Smart™ Training is scheduled for selected staff
An essential part of GFFP certification is staff training. Included with certification your establishment will receive three (3) complimentary AF-SmartTM training sessions for selected staff.
Training topics include planning and managing an allergen-free kitchen, ingredient sourcing & storage practices, allergen-free food preparation, customer engagement & serving practices, and allergen management strategies for avoiding cross-contamination.
There are no prerequisites for the course and training is performed 100% online on any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.
Successful participants receive an AF-Smart™ training certificate valid for 3 years.
Training can be taken as many times needed to complete.
Step 3: Schedule your GFFP Certification Review
Once you are comfortable that all GFFP requirements can be consistently met, your GFFP review is scheduled with your GFFP representative. It is recommended that you schedule a time for the review with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations. For example, we do not recommend scheduling your review during your busiest period. A typical review takes approximately one-half to a full day to complete (depending on size of operations) and generally progresses in the following order:
- The review is performed on location by a GFFP auditor.
- Introduction meeting between GFFP reviewer, your management and staff participating in the review.
- Review of the relevant menu and related ingredients.
- Review of front and back of house processes, workflow, and control points in the preparation and serving of allergen-free food.
- Interviews with management and staff as needed.
- Review of supporting documentation, as needed.
At the conclusion to review the GFFP auditor will schedule a time to present the review results, including possible issues where corrective actions may be required to satisfy the requirements for GFFP certification. If corrective actions are required, the GFFP reviewer will be document the issues and a reasonable timeline will be established to implement and confirm corrective actions have been made. GFFP will provide personalized help to guide, support and facilitate the corrective action process.
Upon completion and approval of certification the following information and services will be provided:
Receive your GFFP Approved Foods Certificate of Recognition (COR)
Upon certification approval you will receive your GFFP Approved Foods Certificate of Recognition (COR) notifying that your establishment meets the GFFP requirements for allergen-free certification.
Additionally, you will receive electronic copies of the GFFP Approved Foods™ logo and messaging for use in your marketing communications, websites and social media networks, windows and doors, menus, and menu boards and on display cases, to help clearly promote your establishment as ‘certified ‘allergen-free’.
The GFFP logo is highly recognizable and notifies consumers that establishments bearing the logo meet the GFFP requirements and affords the most protection for people affected with food sensitivities.
Receive Your GFFP Value-Added Services
GFFP provides value-add services at no additional cost, to our allergen-free certified hotels & holiday destination resorts by promoting them to holiday travelers, wider public and travel booking agencies.
Certification fee includes a free business listing on www.GF-Finder.com our consumer-focused directory dedicated to helping consumers know where to find trusted GFFP certified establishment. Listing includes the opportunity to share news, articles & blog posts, recipes, and stories.
GF-Smart™ Professional Training
As an integral part of GFFP gluten-free certification, participating food service establishments receive free GF-Smart™ Training for selected staff.
GF-Smart™ Training is also available to non-participants for a minimal fee.
Have questions or not sure where to start?
Contact us to speak with a representative or receive a no-obligation quote. Our staff is available anytime to answer questions and help navigate the decisions toward achieving gluten-free certification for your company.
