Dietetic foods for people with gluten intolerance
Gluten-free foods: helping gluten-intolerant people enjoy everyday foods
Around one per cent of Europeans (five million citizens) are diagnosed Coeliacs - a condition that causes an intolerance to gluten. It is estimated that a further five million are undiagnosed. Gluten intolerance is a serious condition that can mean many ‘regular’ foods are off-limits - including bread, pasta, breakfast cereals and biscuits.
Companies affiliated to IDACE’s national association members have been at the forefront of research that has helped to produce a range of foods for people with gluten intolerance. These foods act as an effective and healthy substitute for products that normally contain wheat, rye or barley and allow Coeliacs to enjoy with confidence a varied and complete diet like the rest of normally healthy EU consumers.
A wide range of foods contain gluten, including...
- Muesli, some breakfast cereals, bran
- Pasta, cous-cous, semolina, pastry
- ‘Hidden’ gluten in sausages, sauces
- Cookies, cakes, biscuits, pancakes
- Bread, pretzels, rye bread, crispbreads
What is Coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition. Gluten ingestion causes the body to attack its own cells, leading to inflammation of the small intestine. It is a lifelong, genetic condition, but can occur at any age. It is hidden, and only becomes diagnosed on exposure to gluten. It can be managed through effective dietary treatment, to help protect against the development of conditions like osteoporosis and diabetes.
- An estimated 5 million people in the EU are diagnosed as Coeliacs
- 5 million more are thought to have an undiagnosed intolerance to gluten
Defining gluten-intolerance foods
Whilst the term ‘gluten free’ suggests that a product does not contain any gluten, in practice, it is impossible to test for a zero level of gluten. While some foods are naturally gluten-free, others are rendered gluten-free. For this group of foods, an international standard, also used by the EU, sets out two categories: ‘gluten free’ and ‘very low gluten’.
Research has shown that individuals with Coeliac disease can consume an unlimited amount of products with gluten at a level of <20ppm, as it has been demonstrated not to be harmful.
- ‘Gluten free’ foods: fewer than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten
- ‘Very low gluten’ foods: 21-100ppm of gluten
A responsible industry
Ensuring the safety of consumers
Given the health consequences of gluten consumption for people who have an intolerance, companies affiliated to IDACE national association members place the highest priority on ensuring the security of the production line and the proper labelling of products.
Access to products
Dietetic foods for people with gluten intolerance are often available on prescription for those individuals who are medically diagnosed with Coeliac disease. These foods are principally substitutes to replace many of the staple products that have to be avoided, and they help individuals achieve a healthy, well-balanced diet.
These foods are often available in pharmacies, and are more expensive due to the cost of production, distribution and additional services (such as expert advice from dietitians and careline staff, literature, recipe information and support for and training of healthcare professionals). Research has shown that reimbursement of prescribed gluten-free foods aids patient compliance.
Dietetic foods for people with gluten intolerance are also available in supermarkets. These products are often non-staples, such as cakes, biscuits, snacks and ready meals.
Regulating dietary foods for people with gluten intolerance
Specialised nutrition needs specialised regulation.
In the European Union, the foodstuffs suitable for people intolerant to gluten are addressed by a specific, vertical piece of legislation - Regulation 41/2009. This Regulation sets out the rules on the composition and labelling for ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’ foods.
FACTS & FIGURES
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About 5% of turnover is invested in research:the food industry average is 1% |
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The annual turnover of the European dietetic foods sector (including exports) is around €24bn |
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The dietetic foods sector is a world leader:each year, exports total around €8bn |
IDACE MEMBERS
