Government of Canada makes food safer for people with Celiac disease

The Government of Canada has announced changes that will make food choices safer for people suffering from celiac disease.

Health Canada has announced that it will now allow specially produced oats with trace amounts of gluten to carry a gluten-free claim.

People with celiac disease have to avoid food products that have gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye and barley.

Celiac disease is an inherited disease that is triggered by gluten consumption.

Normal agricultural practices can lead to the presence of small amounts of gluten in oats from other sources. However, according to recent evidence, people with the condition can consume oats as long as the product is manufactured and processed in a way to prevent cross-contamination and contains 20 parts per million of gluten from wheat, rye, barley or their hybridised strains.

Minister of Health Rona Ambrose said: "These changes will make it easier for Canadians with celiac disease to make safe and informed food choices. By allowing a gluten-free claim on specially produced oats and foods that contain them, consumers with gluten sensitivities will be better able to identify products they can safely eat."

Canadian Celiac Association president Anne Wraggett said: "We are pleased that Health Canada has made important changes that will benefit the celiac community through allowing gluten-free claims on specially produced oats and products containing these oats.

"Oats are a nutritious grain and can add variety for those who must follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. The term ‘gluten-free oats’ on labels will make it much easier for the gluten-free consumer to identify products that they can safely eat."

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Image: People with Celiac disease can consume oats as long as cross-contamination is prevented. Photo: courtesy of antpkr/freedigitalphotos.net.