CEO Marilyn Geller joins U.S. Codex Delegation, Urges Recognition of Celiac Disease
The Celiac Disease Foundation Public Policy team has been actively working since early 2024 with the federal government and our global partners to ensure that celiac disease remains a priority in Precautionary Allergen Labeling (PAL) guidelines set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) through work done by the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL).
As a member of the U.S. Codex delegation to the 48th Session of the Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL 48), held in Québec City, Canada, October 27-November 1, 2024, CEO Marilyn Geller successfully advocated on behalf of the U.S. celiac disease patient population, collaborating with the Association of European Celiac Societies (AOECS) and global partners to:
- Secure recognition of celiac disease patients alongside food allergy patients when setting food labelling standards.
- Establish the case for gluten and gluten-containing grains to be included on food labels.
- Highlight the need for research-informed, defined standard for the presence of gluten, addressing the discrepancy that exists between a reference dose (RfD) based on serving size, versus an established concentration-based standard for gluten (20 mg/kg).
Our sustained advocacy on this topic has clearly established the need for celiac disease to be recognized as part of standardized allergen labeling. This work is consistent with our mission to ensure patients are provided the information they need to make informed, safe choices about their food.
While guidelines set by Codex are voluntary, they set the standard for global policy making. In 2025, our team will be continuing its work with the U.S. Codex Office, including providing support to an Electronic Working Group focused on advancing the recommendations developed during CCFL 48, while also preparing for participation in CCFL 49.