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
- 8th June 2026
- 6 min read
AOECS Chair Floris van Overveld reports from CCFL49 in Ottawa, where new global guidelines for Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) were adopted. After years of advocacy, cereals containing gluten are now included in the framework, while gluten-free claims and PAL remain clearly separated. This marks an important step towards clearer labelling and safer food choices for coeliacs.
- 25th May 2026
- 2 min read
On 13 June 2026, the Polish Coeliac Society will host Gluten Off Festival, the largest gluten-free event in Poland, at the venue EXPO XXI in Warsaw. Admission is free, but you have to register.
- 15th May 2026
- 3 min read
On May 13, AOECS convened the first-ever discussion at the European Parliament on gluten-free safety in the catering sector. Policymakers, industry representatives and patient organisations came together to address food accessibility, awareness and safer dining for people with coeliac disease across Europe.
AOECS Annual Conference no.38
Between 8 and 11 October 2026, the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) will host its 38th Annual Conference in Amsterdam.
While you wait for the event to start, 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.