POSITION ON CODEX PAL GUIDELINES FOR CEREALS CONTAINING GLUTEN
Version 2 / 2026
Summary
The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) welcomes the agreement bythe 49th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL49) of the global Guidelines on Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL).
The inclusion of coeliac disease and gluten within the PAL framework represents asignificant milestone for people living with coeliac disease and reflects many years of scientific, technical advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
Supporting the principles
AOECS supports the principles underpinning the new Codex guidance, including:
- The use of evidence-based risk assessment to support PAL decisions.
- The introduction of a reference dose for gluten (4 mg gluten).
- Measures intended to improve consistency and reduce unnecessary use of PAL.
- The distinction between PAL and gluten free claims.
- The recognition that effective implementation will require education and communication for consumers, healthcare professionals, food businesses, andregulators.
PAL and gluten-free claims have different purpose
At the same time, AOECS emphasises that PAL and gluten-free claims serve fundamentally different purposes and must remain clearly separated in regulatory implementation.
The successful inclusion of safeguards ensuring that a product carrying a PAL statement cannot simultaneously bear a gluten-free claim is therefore of critical importance.
As implementation discussions begin at national and regional level, AOECS encourages regulators and stakeholders to preserve the integrity of the agreed Codex text while supporting clear risk communication, consumer confidence and informed food choice for people living with coeliac disease.