WELCOME TO AOECS
Uniting and empowering coeliac societies in Europe and beyond.
What we do
Firstly, we care.
We strive for the best possible safety, availability and consistent labelling of foods and products suitable for people intolerant to gluten.
The resources you need.
We coordinate the exchange of information related coeliac disease, encouraging skill and knowledge sharing, particularly among new and developing Coeliac Societies.
Supporting our members
We represent our members at an international level, particularly with respect to European legislation, policy development and fostering multi-national research projects.
News
See all news here
- 26th February 2026
- 3 min read
At a gluten-free breakfast in Brussels 26 February 2026, AOECS brought together MEPs, policymakers and industry representatives to call for stronger EU action on coeliac disease. AOECS presented its Manifesto, urging better integration of coeliac patients’ needs into Europe’s food and health strategies.
- 24th February 2026
- 2 min read
AOECS has published a new position statement addressing potential risks for people with coeliac disease linked to certain bio-based food contact materials (FCMs). The position statement calls for greater transparency and regulatory clarity to ensure that people with coeliac disease can make informed and safe choices. Read more here.
- 10th February 2026
- 3 min read
In response to the petition raised by the Catalan Coeliac Society, the European Commission emphasises that while EU rules on gluten and allergen information are in place, their practical impact depends on effective implementation and enforcement at national level.
AOECS Annual Conference no.38
Get ready for this year's Annual Conference. Further details, including registration information and the preliminary programme, will follow in the coming months.
While you wait, watch the film from last year’s conference and read more about the upcoming conference here.
Gluten Free Certification
The Crossed Grain Trademark is widely recognised as a source of trust and reassurance that a product is safe to eat. Our Europe wide licensing system means that one trademark license gives producers and retailers the right to use the Crossed Grain Trademark on their gluten free sales in over 30 European countries.
Find out moreAbout coeliac disease
1 in 100 people are estimated to suffer from coeliac disease in Europe. Applying that ratio, it can be assumed that more than 7 million people are affected by coeliac disease across Europe, with only approximately 25% of those actually receiving a diagnosis. Coeliac disease can present with a wide range of mild to very severe symptoms with the only treatment being a strict daily gluten free diet.
Read moreCurious about what coeliac disease is? Watch this short film that explains the facts.
The film was created as a part of the international collaboration Focus IN CD.