ISDI is pleased to celebrate International Coeliac Day today, and the anniversary of the release of its brochure on gluten-free labelling.

ISDI represents manufacturers of gluten-free foods specifically formulated for people with coeliac disease and welcomes the International Coeliac Day.

Coeliac disease is a global disease and occurs in about 1% of people in most populations. Diagnosis rates are increasing and the prevalence of coeliac disease varies with sex, age and geographical location.

Gluten intolerance, also known as coeliac disease, can only be treated through the lifelong exclusion of gluten. Gluten-free foods are specially designed to exclude gluten for consumers who are gluten intolerant.

To preserve the specific composition of these foods and ensure appropriate information to consumers, the Codex Alimentarius has revised in 2015 its Standard for Foods for Special Dietary Use for Persons Intolerant to Gluten (CODEX STAN 118-1979).

President of ISDI, Venetta Miranda: “Gluten-free manufacturers across the globe are proud to contribute to improving the lives of people with coeliac disease. The guidance document on gluten-free labelling will help ensure that food business operators across the world understand the good manufacturing practices and labelling requirements for gluten-free foods, so that coeliac sufferers can continue to trust the foods which are essential to the management of their condition.”