CELIAC ORG TO REPLENISH CANADA’S FOOD BANKS WITH GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS DURING PANDEMIC
Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Partners with Promise Gluten Free
TORONTO, May 15th, 2020 – For Canadians with celiac disease who are increasingly relying on food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic, securing gluten-free foods has become more difficult than ever.
-May 15, 2020
CCA surveyed thousands of Canadians with celiac to see what they know about oats.
-May 2020 – Click for summary of results
Food Labelling for Some Barley Based Ingredients
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently issued an advisory to allow some food products to be sold in Canada that were previously destined for the United States market.
While health and safety related labelling requirements such as Canada’s enhanced labelling regulations for gluten sources still apply, CCA has flagged some potential issues with BARLEY. There is a potential risk that food produced in Canada but packaged and labelled for the United States might not identify barley containing ingredients, as required on food sold in Canada. Consumers and purchasers should be alert to malt and yeast extract ingredients listed on US labels. Malt is barley based. Yeast extract can be found in soups, sauces, seasoned chips and other savoury products.”
CCA Notice of Annual General Meeting
The CCA will be holding its Annual General Meeting in accordance with its bylaws on Saturday, June 6, 2020 via online meeting. Only voting chapter members and National Directors are required to attend. Special guests may be included but must be requested in advance to the CCA President. Please contact president@celiac.ca
-May 8, 2020
Gluten-free Campaign Asks, “How Do You Sandwich?”
-May 5, 2020
Celiac Campaign Delivers Relief To Canadians Living With Condition During Pandemic
Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Launches Resources to Help Canadians Navigate COVID-19.
-April 30, 2020
CCA offers new resources for food banks and list of locations for those in need
CCA National teamed up with its local Chapters to identify food banks and agencies offering gluten-free food along with developing resources for food banks that would like to support our food at risk individuals. Click here.
-May 1, 2020
Ottawa gluten-free verified dining establishment adapting through COVID-19
CTV Ottawa took time to feature Ottawa’s La Dolce Vita on how it’s thriving during COVID-19 and offering delicious and safe gluten-free food. Check video here.
April 22, 2020
CCA included in over 200 charities seeking protection during COVID-19 outbreak
Over 200 major charities form Emergency Coalition to save sector and maintain support to Canada’s most vulnerable. Click for more.
COVID-19 resources
CCA has developed a special page to host our resources for the Canadian gluten-free community. Click here.
Food Insecurity and celiac disease
During this difficult time, people with celiac disease may find themselves losing their jobs, facing financial challenges and need to access a local food bank or service agency. Click here to learn more.
Oats Research Survey
The Canadian Celiac Association’s Professional Advisory Council would like to learn more about the oat consumption of Canadians who must eat gluten-free. The survey will only take 1-2 minutes.
Deadline: March 25, 2020
CCA National Board seeks directors for 2020-2022
The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is seeking nominations for positions whose terms will run from appointment to June 30, 2022. Click here for details. – January 12, 2020
Dr. Mohsin Rashid on the key differences between celiac disease and a wheat allergy
Celiac disease, Wheat allergy… what’s the difference? While symptoms can overlap, celiac disease and wheat allergy are two distinct disorders. Click here to read.
NHL draft prospect shines light on success after diagnosis
“He’s got to the stage where it’s under control,” said Marr, whose department lists Kakko as the top European prospect. “He knows what his limits are. He knows what he needs to do to be at 100 per cent. As long as (his diet) is managed and well managed, I don’t think it’s going to influence the decision on draft day.” Click here to read the story.
-June 20., 2019
CCA Pushes For OHIP Coverage of Celiac Blood Test, Amongst Other Awareness Day Initiatives
For International Celiac Awareness Day, the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) plans to meet at Queen’s Park at 10:30 a.m. to call on MPPs to support OHIP coverage for the IgA TTG serological test for celiac disease. Click for details.
-May 16, 2019
National survey to study confidence in ‘May Contain’ food labelling in Canada
Celiac association asks gluten-free consumers and dietitians to weigh-in
Mississauga, ON – The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) as part of its May Celiac Awareness Month activities launched a nation-wide survey of gluten-free consumers and dietitians to gauge the confidence and understanding of the use of the ‘May Contains’ labelling on Canadian food products. Click for more.
-May 10, 2019
CCA partners with other North American associations to bring awareness to the day to day challenges for people with celiac disease.
The ‘Know Celiac’ website was launched in partnership with Hill Holiday to bust some of the myths and misunderstanding about people who require the gluten-free diet.
-May 3, 2019
Daytime CBC Radio – Not even a crumb of gluten, living with celiac disease.
Listen to this great interview with Montreal pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Terry Sigman, and her 11 year old patient on the challenges of diagnosing and managing celiac disease.
May 3, 2019
CCA launches national ‘may contain’ labelling survey for gluten-free consumers
The Canadian Celiac Association’s Professional Advisory Council has launched a research survey to better understand consumers who require a gluten-free diet and their attitudes towards ‘May Contain’ labelling on food products sold in Canada.
-May 2, 2019
New Labelling Requirements Coming to Beer
CCA among key stakeholders that called for changes to beer labelling to protect consumers.
Mississauga, ON. May 1, 2019 – The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is lauding the announcement today from Health Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency that a part of the new compositional standards for beer will be a requirement for allergy labelling including gluten by December 14, 2022.
-May 1, 2019
Delays in celiac disease diagnoses costly for Canadians
Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Launches Symptom Quiz to Help Undiagnosed Canadians Avoid Years of Unnecessary Suffering
-May 1, 2019
CCA releases guidance for primary care providers on the gluten challenge to improve diagnosis rates
How much gluten must be consumed by a patient after being on a gluten-free diet (GFD) in order to be accurately tested for celiac disease? Learn more.
-April 15, 2019
Canada’s iconic buildings to display green for Celiac Awareness Month this May
May is Celiac Awareness Month in Canada and May 16 is internationally recognized as Celiac Awareness Day. This year five major cities across Canada will display green lights to mark the occasion. Click here for details – April 2019
Young adults and their food choices study
The laboratory of Dr Anne-Sophie Brazeau of School of Human Nutrition at McGill University is currently looking for adults with and without type 1 diabetes who are 18 to 29 years old to participate in a study on food literacy. The main objective of the project is to understand the motivations and barriers of young adults with type 1 diabetes in integrating their knowledge of nutrition into practical skills. This study involves answering a questionnaire lasting about 25 minutes.
CCA responds to proposed amendments to Canada’s vodka standards
CCA’s Response to Proposed Changes to Vodka Standard. -March 14, 2019
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2019 Start: 8:30 AM Location: Holiday Inn Yorkdale, 3450 Dufferin St. Toronto, ON. Persons who wish to attend the AGM other than voting chapter members, directors, the public accountant of the Corporation may only be admitted on the invitation of the Chair or with consent of the meeting. Please email melissa.secord@celiac.ca with your request to attend. -March 14, 2019
CCA is hiring.
We’re looking for a Fund Development Coordinator. Click here to learn more. – March 13, 2019
CCA urges changes to federal taxes before federal budget
CCA President issued a letter during the pre-budget consultations to Finance Minister Morneau. Read the letter here. -March 2019
CCA releases results of Agri-Food Canada funded study for access to gluten-free grains
CCA releases project highlights for enhancing access to Canadian sources of certified gluten-free grains and testing protocols. Read more… – February 4, 2019
New Canada Food Guide: What is the impact if you are gluten free?
Health Canada released its new Food Guide to public. For Canadians who require a gluten-free diet, CCA offers direction on key nutrients and food sources that need to be carefully managed. Read more… – January 23, 2019
JA Campbell Research Awards now open
CCA is pleased to announce that the JA Campbell Research Grants applications are now open for both the JA Campbell Research Award and the JA Campbell Young Investigators Award. Deadline for applications February 15, 2019. Click for details. – January 14, 2019
CCA wants to know what is your Celiac IQ?
Would you know how to accurately diagnosis celiac disease? This is the question CCA is asking Canadian healthcare professionals at the Family Medicine Forum being held in Toronto this week. Learn more and take our test. -November 14, 2018
CCA National Board seeks directors for 2019 -2021
The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is seeking nominations for two positions on the Board, the National Treasurer Officer role and another Director, whose terms will run from appointment to June 30, 2021. Click here for details. -November 14, 2018
CCA National response to proposed amendments to beer composition standards
As the voice for people adversely impacted by gluten, CCA has issued its formal response to the proposed changes to beer composition standards. Click link for CCA Response Click to view proposed amendments -September 7, 2018
CCA asks public to pour on support for proposed beer changes
Health Canada has proposed changes to the composition and labelling of beer products in Canada. The change will require beer manufacturer’s to declare any food allergens, gluten and sulphites on the product label. The celiac community is strongly encouraged to show its support for the proposed changes which will make it easier to identify safe food for consumption. Click here to download a sample response: Beer Standard Response Sample Deadline: September 14, 2018 -August, 2018
Management of Bone Health in Patients with Celiac Disease: A Practical Guide for Clinicians
The Canadian Family Physician Journal has published a review article to be used as a practical guide for clinicians when managing and monitoring bone health in patients with celiac disease. -June 14, 2018
Health Canada Report on Celiac Disease
Health Canada published a report on celiac disease and the gluten connection to increase awareness for Celiac Awareness Month. The report discusses prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. -June 4, 2018
Minister of Health’s Statement on Celiac Disease Awareness Month
The Minister of Health made a statement in support of celiac awareness month. She discusses the large impact the disease has on an individual’s quality of life and how it affects a large portion of the population. Read it here. -May 29, 2018
2018 J.A. Campbell Research Award Winners
The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is pleased to announce the winners of our 2018 JA Campbell Research Awards. After an extensive review by CCA’s Professional Advisory Council, Dr. Natalie Riediger has been awarded the James A Campbell Grant and James King has been granted the James A. Campbell Young Investigator Award. -May 29, 2018
Lack of OHIP coverage for celiac test causing costly increases in treatment delays and health risks for Ontario patients
Adult patients in Canada with undiagnosed celiac disease can expect an average delay of 11 years before receiving an accurate diagnosis of their condition,1 while the typical delay for children is 1 year. 2 Celiac disease – an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of foods containing gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) — affects 1 in every 100 Canadians, but only 10 to 20% of patients with the disease have been diagnosed.3 It’s a situation the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is aiming to change, especially in Ontario, which is the only province that currently doesn’t cover the blood test necessary for detecting celiac disease under its provincial health insurance plan. -May 3, 2018
Canadian Celiac Association is asking Canadians to #GoBeyondTheGut
May is Celiac Awareness Month and the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) is urging people to #GoBeyondTheGut and to be alert to the “atypical” (non-classical) features of celiac disease. -May 1, 2018
Update: Sobeys Inc. Sensations by Compliments brand Pecan-Crusted Cheesecake Collection Reinstated Quickly
On April 4 2018, with the assistance of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Sobeys initiated a recall for their Sensations by Compliments Brand Pecan-crusted Cheesecake Collection from the marketplace because it contained wheat which was not declared on the label. Click the link for update. -April 4, 2018
Ontario Legislature petition for celiac blood testing
Ontario is the only providence in Canada that does not cover blood screening under provincial health insurance unless it is specifically performed during an in-patient hospital visit. People with Celiac disease didn’t choose to have this disease, they deserve to have the test covered by OHIP. Delayed diagnosis causes lack of treatment which leads to nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures and the development of cancer. It also leads to the risk of developing mental health problems. When a person with celiac disease is diagnosed early, the individual’s health returns to the normal rate, it reduces their visits to doctors and hospitals and unnecessary diagnostics testing. Ontario Provincial health coverage (OHIP) for IgA TTG serological test for patients with Celiac disease. Please download our petition, get your friends and family to sign it and either mail it back to the CCA or send it to your local MPP (original signatures only, photocopies or scanned petitions will not be accepted).
CCA issues statement on NIMA gluten sensor
The Canadian Celiac Association’s Professional Advisory Council (PAC) was asked to review the NIMA Sensor device as it was recently launched in Canada. -March 15, 2018
Stay heart healthy and gluten free – tips from Dr. Jennifer Zelin
Having celiac disease can make healthy eating a challenge. The dietary restrictions of a gluten-free diet, and the symptoms from recently diagnosed celiac disease, can make it difficult to choose healthy dietary options and maintain physical fitness. Dr. Jennifer Zelin shares some tips… -February 15, 2018
Gluten-free as a New Year’s Resolution? Think twice!
With the onset of “New Year’s Resolution” season, the Canadian Celiac Association is cautioning Canadians to look before they leap when it comes to adopting the gluten-free diet. -January 16, 2017
Gluten-free claim to be removed from General Mills Cheerios sold in Canada (Revised)
The Canadian Celiac Association has learned that the words “gluten-free” will be removed from all Cheerios packages sold in Canada commencing January 2018. -October 26, 2017
CCA response to CFIA Beer Consultation
In July 2017, the CCA was invited to comment on our concerns with beer labelling. Members of our Professional Advisory Council prepared a response on behalf of the CCA Board of Directors. -July 2017
Deep Frying Gluten Alert
The myth that frying wheat products makes them gluten-free is endangering people with Celiac disease. -April 2017
GF Cheerios Recommendation
General Mills Canada announced last week that five Cheerios flavours sold in Canada will carry a glutenfree claim. Original Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Multi-Grain Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios and Chocolate Cheerios will be rolled out across the country in August. The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) held a conference call with representatives of General Mills Canada and General Mills US on August 2nd 2016 to discuss our concerns with the gluten-free label on these products.
-2016
Canadian Celiac Association Professional Advisory Council position statement on consumption of oats by individuals with celiac disease
The safety of oats in individuals with celiac disease has been extensively investigated. Health Canada has reviewed the clinical evidence from numerous international studies and has concluded that the consumption of oats, uncontaminated with gluten from wheat, rye or barley, is safe for the vast majority of patients with celiac disease. -2015
