Australian Celiacs Face Industry Push to Allow Gluten in 'Gluten-free' Foods

I am a celiac and despite a strict gluten-free diet still have issues, mainly with cross-contamination. Could you please tell me which supposedly gluten-free products specifically you have reactions to? Thanks!

It's easier to name the company's that don't contain any gluten in their gluten-free labeled foods. Bob's Red Mill and DeLallo.

Completely agree with DJ, Sue, Susie et al, Australia should keep its own standard set as it is now, then there will be no confusion with detectable amounts later. Besides, do Australians really want US food imports? I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole, they're full of dodgy additives and GMOs, no thanks.

Why can't they create labels that indicate the quantity, such as FDA-approved gluten-free=less than 20mg/kg, or no detectable gluten? Then consumers can decide for themselves.

I live in Australia, but before that I lived in the UK where there is a much broader range of gluten-free products available. The 20 ppm rule presents no risk to coeliacs, who undoubtedly benefit from a global free trade of gluten-free goods to make a much broader range of choices available.

For this reason, standardizing internationally would be a great idea - especially if it means we can start to get codex wheat starch, which is a fantastic gluten-free product.

Laith, I do not understand how the greater availability of products with greater amounts of gluten is a good thing. If someone with coeliac is highly sensitive (and you are blessed to not be in this category) he will have even less options. Please do not state that, "The 20 ppm rule presents no risk to coeliacs" as this is simply not true.

Why can't they create labels that indicate the quantity, such as FDA-approved gluten-free=less than 20mg/kg, or no detectable gluten? Then consumers can decide for themselves.

I come from a family where celiac disease is the norm, not the exception. Some of us react severely to the slightest crumb of gluten-containing foods and some do not. That being said, why would we want to subject our bodies to damage that after time will not reverse and cause us to be at even more risk of cancers of the bowel and other health issues? If a product says it does not contain gluten, it should not. Food processors should not remove this choice from those of us who suffer greatly from gluten ingestion.

The answer for myself is really simple. Change the rules and I change my shopping habits, I will buy only naturally gluten free food.

If it does go to this standard everywhere I will just go on a cave man diet. Fruit Veg and meat. Naturally gluten free. Yes, I'll miss out on my treats but at least I know that I am not going to get sick. No one understands what it's like being a coeliac unless you are a coeliac yourself. A simple crumb curls me over for 24 hours and I'm tired and nauseated for the next 48.

Gluten episode can leave me in hospital for 5 days on a drip. It could also kill me if I don't get medical help immediately. It is also frustrating that when I arrive in Emergency dept at a hospital they have trouble believing me and it could be upwards of 12 hours before treatment is started. I become so dehydrated from lose of body fluids from what could described as horrific bowel discharge that leaves me breeding. So no I want the standards to stay, that gluten free is truly gluten free.