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The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) continues to cooperate with coeliac associations in inspections of gluten in foodstuffs. These associations help CAFIA to identify foodstuffs that may contain gluten which is not declared in the composition on the packaging. Such products are generally considered as gluten-free and for people suffering from coeliac disease they present invisible danger that could threaten their health.

During last three months CAFIA inspectors took 21 samples of various foodstuffs that do not declare gluten on their labels, but that could potentially contain it. Among collected samples was confectionary, coffee, tea, non-alcoholic beverages, instant purees, but also mustard or mayonnaise. All these products were subjected to analysis for gluten at CAFIA laboratories. All samples were found to be complying with determined limit.

Formerly, the relevant legislation determined an obligation to label foodstuffs whose content of gluten consumers could not presumed, with words “Not suitable for coeliacs”. This obligation has however been repealed. As such foodstuffs pose a significant risk to coeliacs, the outcome of these inspections is of great importance for them, since it helps them in better and safer orientation on the market.

On that account CAFIA makes complete results of inspections available to the coeliacs clubs and associations and publishes them on its website www.szpi.gov.cz. CAFIA also cooperates with coeliacs associations in ensuring professional seminars and lectures. For example, CAFIA specialists have recently informed participants of “Coeliacs, dietary nurses and doctors meeting” in Trojanovice, North Moravia, about upcoming legislation changes. As of 1 January 2005, the limit of tolerable gluten content in gluten-free foodstuffs will be reduced to 5mg/100g of dry matter. (Current applicable limit is twice as much).