Coeliac UK has announced that products must contain less than 20mg of gluten per kilogram to qualify for a gluten-free classification.

The new standards, previously known as the Codex Standard will come into effect from either June or July 2008.

Products containing gluten above 20 and up to 100mg/kg are thought to be suitable for the vast majority of people with coeliac disease.

An appropriate way of displaying this information is due to be decided at EU level and implemented in the UK by the Food Standards Agency.

The decision comes after caterers and chefs were accused last week of 'lagging behind food manufacturers in providing options for sufferers of coeliac disease.'

Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Coeliac UK explained how the announcement is long overdue: "The decision to change the Codex Standard has been debated for 13 years – far too long. Coeliac UK has worked closely with the Food Standards Agency over the past two years to provide an evidence base to move the standard on and we are delighted with the result."

The new Standard will now be called the Standard for Foods for Special Dietary Use for Persons Intolerant to Gluten.

Coeliac disease is a life-long autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten, which causes an inflammation of the small intestine.

Damage to the small intestine will occur each time gluten is consumed. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.
  
The only way to manage coeliac disease is by following a strict gluten-free diet.
 
More information on coeliac disease can be found at www.coeliac.org.uk