EU response issued to petition on coeliac disease submitted to the European Parliament
In response to a petition submitted 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.
Background
In March 2025, the European Parliament declared admissible a petition submitted in 2024 by Esther Roger from the Associació Celíacs Catalunya (SMAP), a full member of the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS)
The petition, registered as Petition No. 1468/2024, called for stronger and more coordinated action at EU level to improve the situation of people living with coeliac disease across the European Union.
Key issues raised in the petition
The petition highlighted the medical necessity of a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet and drew attention to persistent challenges faced by people with coeliac disease. These include delayed or missed diagnosis, unequal access to safe gluten-free food, inconsistent implementation of food information rules, and significant differences between Member States in healthcare provision and support measures.
Examination by the European Parliament
The petition was declared admissible in March 2025 and discussed in the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI), where it was presented by SMAP together with AOECS representatives. Following this examination, the European Commission issued its official written response on 31 October 2025.
European Commission’s response
In its reply, the Commission recognises coeliac disease as a serious, chronic non-communicable disease requiring lifelong dietary management, and acknowledges the vulnerability of people affected.
The Commission recalls the existing EU legal framework on food information and allergen labelling, notably Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers and Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 on gluten-free and very-low-gluten claims. It underlines the responsibility of Member States to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of these rules.
Research, innovation and diagnostics
The Commission also outlines its ongoing support for research and innovation related to coeliac disease, gluten detection, diagnostics and treatment, including funding provided through EU research programmes such as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. In addition, it refers to work being carried out by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre to develop certified reference materials aimed at improving the accuracy and consistency of diagnostic testing.
Limits of EU competence
At the same time, the Commission notes that several policy areas raised in the petition — including healthcare organisation, reimbursement schemes and fiscal measures such as VAT — fall primarily within national competence, in accordance with the EU Treaties. While EU law allows Member States to apply reduced VAT rates to food, including gluten-free products, decisions in this area remain the responsibility of national authorities.
The petition remains open within the Committee on Petitions, allowing for continued follow-up at parliamentary level.
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