The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) welcomes the new Codex Guidelines on Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL), a landmark step towards more consistent, science-based gluten risk communication. The Guidelines strengthen consumer confidence, improve international harmonisation and recognise, for the first time, the needs of people living with coeliac disease.
Following the first-ever European Parliament debate dedicated to safe gluten-free catering, AOECS has published a new report outlining practical next steps to improve safety, inclusion and mobility for people living with coeliac disease across Europe. The report identifies three priority areas for future action and calls for stronger collaboration across the hospitality sector and policymakers.
AOECS has launched the Young Researcher Award in Coeliac Disease Research to recognise and encourage outstanding early-career scientists. The international award aims to raise the profile of promising researchers, foster collaboration and inspire the next generation of experts working to improve the lives of people with coeliac disease. Open for applications now until 15 August 2026.
AOECS convened the first-ever discussion at the European Parliament on gluten-free safety in the catering sector. Policymakers, industry representatives and patient organisations came together to address food accessibility, awareness and safer dining for people with coeliac disease across Europe. A clear message emerged: gluten-free food is not a lifestyle choice, it is a medical necessity.
Your research and projects could help shape the future of coeliac care. AOECS invites submissions for its 5th Call for Scientific Papers, with selected work presented at the 2026 Annual Conference and published in the Scientific Book. Deadline: 30 June 2026.
🟢 AOECS has opened the Huda Emergency Initiative for Gaza. People with coeliac disease depend on a strict gluten-free diet to survive. In humanitarian crises, access to safe food can disappear overnight. Through the fund, AOECS is supporting emergency deliveries of gluten-free food to people with coeliac disease affected by the crisis. Learn more on our website. #together4coeliacs #celiac2celiac
AOECS calls for greater transparency in EU food contact materials legislation. Evidence from studies within our network shows measurable gluten migration from certain cereal-based bio-materials. Allergen considerations must be included in the ongoing regulatory revision.
In response to a petition submitted by the Catalan Coeliac Society, the European Commission emphasises that while EU rules on gluten and allergen information are in place, their practical impact depends on effective implementation and enforcement at national level. This serves as a clear reminder that we must continue to put pressure on national legislators to ensure these rules are applied.
The AOECS Annual Conference 2025 is complete! Over 100 delegates met in Brussels to discuss how to improve the lives of people with coeliac disease across Europe. We found 5 priorities for change: earlier diagnosis through screening, better support during care transitions, improved awareness in healthcare and tourism, more collaboration between countries, and fair access to care for coeliacs.
Join us for a special webinar to learn about the first results of Italy’s national paediatric screening programme, the first of its kind in the world. The preliminary results show a 2.8 - 2,9% positivity rate for coeliac-specific antibodies, highlighting the potential of this programme to revolutionise early detection and treatment. Register here: https://www.aoecs.org/webinars-events/
📢 AOECS invites submissions for its 4th Call for Scientific Papers on Coeliac Disease – now with a special focus on hydrolysed products such as gluten-free beer. Don't miss this opportunity to present your research on a global stage. Submit your abstract by 5 September 2025.
Big moment for coeliac rights in the EU 🇪🇺🌾 Just two days ago, a petition by the Coeliacs of Catalunya and supported by AOECS, was accepted by the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee!
