Gluten-Free Certification for Restaurants & Food Service Establishments

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 in conjunction with the National Celiac Association for the restaurant & food service industries.

High Standards

GFFP's Standards are cross referenced to FDA Regulations and Codex Standard for Foods for Special Dietary Use for Persons Intolerant to Gluten.

Efficient and Affordable

GFFP's gluten-free certification 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' gluten-free business needs and food service systems.

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 GFFP approved food handling systems in place to ensure gluten-free menu items meet 20 ppm (parts-per-million) or less for gluten, as defined by government gluten-free food labeling regulations in the United States and Canada.

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.

Steps to Become Certified

GFFP Gluten-Free Certification for Restaurants & Food Service Establishments

GFFP gluten-free certification for restaurants & food service establishments is a voluntary program developed by industry specialists with standards founded on globally accepted, preventative gluten-free safety approaches for the safe development and serving of gluten-free menu items.

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.

To further support certification, GFFP requires that all gluten-free menu items meet the strictest industry testing requirement of 20 ppm (parts-per-million) or less for gluten, as defined by government gluten-free food labeling regulations in the United States and Canada. This promotes the highest safety standard, confidence and brand loyalty amongst the celiac community and those who require gluten-free food for other health reasons.

GFFP certifies both dedicated and non-dedicated gluten-free restaurants & 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.

Endorsed by the National Celiac Association

National Celiac Association endorsement provides gluten-free brands 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.

Steps to Become GFFP Certified

GFFP certification is based on an evaluation your gluten-free menu and methods for preparing and serving gluten-free food to ensure compliance with the GFFP Standards, Certification also includes GF-Smart^TM Training covering the essential elements for the consistent sourcing, menu planning, preparation, and serving of safe, reliable gluten-free foods.

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 gluten-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.

An essential part of GFFP certification is staff training. Included with certification your establishment will receive three (3) complimentary GF-Smart^TM training sessions for selected staff. Training topics include planning and managing a gluten-free kitchen, ingredient sourcing & storage practices, gluten-free food preparation, customer engagement & serving practices, and gluten 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 a GF-Smart training certificate valid for 3 years. Training can be taken as many times needed to complete.

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:

GFFP review is performed by Zoom meeting with exchange of information by email.
Review of the gluten-free menu and related ingredients.
Review of front and back of house processes, workflow, and control points in the preparation and serving of gluten-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 of certification the following information and services will be provided:

Upon certification approval you will receive your GFFP Certificate of Recognition (COR) notifying that your gluten-free products meet the GFFP requirements for gluten-free certification.

Additionally, you will receive electronic copies of the GFFP Certified Mark of trust™ 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 gluten-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 celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.

GFFP provides value-add services at no additional cost, to our gluten-free certified customers by promoting them to the celiac community, wider public and grocery retail organizations.

Certification fee includes a free business listing on www.GF-Finder.com our consumer-focused directory dedicated to helping gluten-free consumers know where to find trusted GFFP certified establishments. Listing includes the opportunity to share news, articles & blog posts, recipes, and stories.

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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.

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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.