Our Successes
Changing public policy is one of the most effective tools for improving life for those living with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. That’s why Celiac Canada works with governments to bring about public policy change that will help improve the lives of people living gluten-free and their caregivers. Our advocacy work is making a difference.
Learn more about our impact across Canada.
Together we’re making a difference
In 2012, Celiac Canada established Food Labelling Guidelines in partnership with Health Canada. These laws came into effect in 2014.
In 2026, thanks in part to work done by Celiac Canada and partner associations worldwide, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the international food standards body of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, formally adopted the new international guidance on precautionary allergen labelling. Learn more.
In 2019, Celiac Canada established Beer Labelling Guidelines in partnership with Health Canada. These laws came into effect in 2022.
In 2022, Health Canada adds new mandatory gluten warnings to natural health products with input from Celiac Canada.
In 2025, after decades of advocacy work by Celiac Canada staff and volunteers, the Ontario government makes the initial blood test for celiac disease free for Ontario residents with an Ontario Health Card. Canada now has pan-Canadian coverage for diagnostic screening. Read more here.
In 2020, Celiac Canada establishes a food security program called “Save Me for Gluten Free” to support affordability challenges. The program encourages food banks to set aside gluten-free staples for Canadians with celiac disease accessing their services and for donated gluten-free food to use the campaign label to help identify these products to be set aside. Learn more.
In 2013 Celiac Canada worked directly with Allergen Control Group to research and develop the first gluten-free standard that used HAACP control standards and third party audits that certified facilities gluten free – one of the most stringent programs in the globe. Learn more about Global Standard Gluten Free
In 2016-19, Celiac Canada completed two major Agri-foods Studies in partnership with Agriculture Canada. Many years of work with Agriculture Canada comes to fruition with additional standards and tools for safe production of gluten-free grains and pulses. These are now incorporated into BRCGS Global Standard for Gluten Free – Version 4.
Learn more: Enhancing access to Canadian sources of gluten-free grains and testing protocols – Celiac Canada
In 2019, Celiac Canada establishes management guidelines for family physicians.
In 2014, after many years of work and research, Celiac Canada worked with Health Canada and Scientific and Medical Advisors discovered oats do not naturally have the gluten protein and issues were due to cross contact during growing, harvesting and production. A new process was created called Purity Protocol for oats. As a result after advocacy work, gluten-free oats were given a special Marketing Authorization by the Minister of Health and deemed to be safe for a gluten-free diet following strict growing and production protocols. Read the position statement on oats.
Celiac Canada published “The Oral Manifestations of Celiac Disease,” a seminal work that illuminated the complex interplay between oral health and celiac disease.
