Can any product be labelled “gluten-free”?

The “gluten-free” label cannot simply be used on products; they must comply with requirements that are regulated by law.

According to Regulation (EU) 828/2014, concerning the communication to consumers of the absence or reduced presence of gluten in foods, products labelled with the expression “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 mg/kg and are therefore completely suitable for coeliac individuals. If they contain more, they naturally cannot use this label.

This regulation also allows the use of the mention “very low gluten”, which can be misleading. Currently, few products are labelled with this mention. However, it is important to know that these foods are not suitable for coeliacs, as they can contain between 20 and 100 mg/kg and this amount causes intestinal damage in coeliac people, even if symptoms are not apparent.

When choosing products, it is advisable to classify them as generic, conventional, specific, and suitable.

- GenericThey are gluten-free by nature, so they can be consumed from any brand.
- ConventionalThey may or may not contain gluten depending on their manufacturing process or ingredients. You can tell if they are suitable by checking if they appear on FACE's Gluten-Free Food List, the FACEMÓVIL app, if they carry the “gluten-free” label, or if they have the European Licensed “Crossed Grain” symbol (ELS) or the “Controlled by FACE” Guarantee Mark.
- SpecificsThey are made specifically for coeliacs. To identify them, they must have certifications, bear the expression “gluten-free” or appear on the Gluten-Free Food List or on FACEMÓVIL.
- No apartments: contain cereals with gluten or derivatives, as well as products made by hand and/or in bulk.

At El Miracle, we recognise the importance of keeping our premises gluten-free. In 2021, we were awarded the title of Spain’s best gluten-free restaurant. All our products are 100 % gluten-free and, furthermore, we receive ongoing training from ACECOVA to continue raising awareness among those around us about the symptoms and seriousness of this illness. In this way, we aim for more and more colleagues in the hospitality industry to be concerned with preparing dishes that are completely suitable for coeliacs.

Can you find out HERE The types of coeliac disease that exist.

Source: www.celiacos.org