Gluten-Free Catering Report
2026
Improving Gluten-Free Awareness & Safety in the Catering Sector
On 13 May 2026, AOECS brought together representatives from patient organisations, the hospitality sector, the food industry and European policymakers for the first-ever discussion in the European Parliament dedicated to safe gluten-free catering.
The event highlighted that eating safely outside the home remains one of the greatest everyday challenges for people living with coeliac disease. While many excellent initiatives already exist across Europe, inconsistent knowledge, varying standards and concerns about cross-contamination continue to limit confidence, inclusion and freedom of movement.
The discussions have now been brought together in the report Improving Gluten-Free Awareness & Safety in the Catering Sector – Event Report and Next Steps, which sets out the priorities that will guide AOECS' future advocacy work.
Download reportWhy this matters
Coeliac disease affects around 1% of the European population and the only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
For many people, eating outside the home is still associated with uncertainty. A lack of staff training, inconsistent procedures and limited awareness can increase the risk of gluten exposure and prevent people from participating fully in social, educational and professional life.
Safe gluten-free catering is therefore not simply a food issue, it is an issue of:
- Health
- Accessibility
- Inclusion
- Freedom of movement
Three priorities for future action
The report identifies three areas where coordinated European action could make the greatest difference.
1. Consistency & Awareness
Improving knowledge and consistency throughout the hospitality sector by promoting:
- Better education and staff training
- Reliable procedures to prevent cross-contamination
- Consistent implementation of EU allergen legislation
- Greater transparency for consumers
2. Inclusion
Ensuring that people requiring a medically necessary gluten-free diet can participate equally in society by encouraging:
- Safe gluten-free meals in schools, universities and hospitals
- Better support for students studying abroad
- Greater awareness among healthcare professionals
- Stronger recognition of nutrition as part of healthcare
3. Mobility
Supporting people living with coeliac disease when travelling, studying or working across Europe by promoting:
- Better availability of safe gluten-free food while travelling
- Sharing successful national initiatives across Europe
- Greater recognition of medically necessary diets in EU mobility policies
Building on good practice
One of the strongest messages from the meeting was that Europe does not need to start from scratch.
Many successful initiatives already exist through national coeliac societies, certification programmes and hospitality businesses. By sharing knowledge and learning from existing good practice, these models can be adapted and expanded across Europe.
Looking ahead
This report marks the beginning of AOECS' work in this area.
Together with its member societies, European institutions and stakeholders across the hospitality and food sectors, AOECS will continue to develop practical recommendations that help make gluten-free dining safer, more accessible and more inclusive throughout Europe.