Celiac disease presents unique challenges worldwide, and Argentina is no exception. As part of the Celiac Disease Foundation’s commitment to advancing global education and research, we actively support initiatives that drive progress in Latin America. Last November, the Foundation sponsored the first Latin American Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (LASSCD) symposium, fostering collaboration among experts in the region. Additionally, we have expanded access to our accredited Innovations in Culinary Medicine program by offering live translations in Spanish and Portuguese.
In a recent Raising Celiac podcast interview, Dr. Julio Bai, one of the Argentina’s leading experts in celiac disease, joined us to discuss the landscape of celiac disease in Latin America. To provide additional insight, we also spoke with the Mariana Holgado, Vice President of The Argentina Celiac Association, which is a driving force in advocacy, education, and support for people with celiac disease in Argentina.
In this Q&A, the Mariana shares valuable perspectives on food accessibility, restaurant accommodations, government support, and the evolving awareness of celiac disease in Argentina.
How accessible and affordable is gluten-free food in Argentina, particularly in rural areas compared to major cities like Buenos Aires?
While it is true that the availability of gluten-free foods in our country has grown exponentially in recent years, it is still difficult to access them outside of large cities.
Today, we have over 30,000 foods and beverages approved as gluten-free, and we have options in almost every product category, but a greater variety and better prices can be found in large cities.
It is important to highlight that the high cost of specific gluten-free products (those made with gluten-free flours) often makes it difficult to access them, and in extreme cases, to adhere to the diet.
This point is particularly important given the economic crisis our country is experiencing, so greater support from state agencies is necessary to assist people with celiac disease who are in vulnerable situations.
What are the biggest challenges people with celiac disease face in Argentina when eating at a restaurant or traveling within the country?
The biggest challenge when traveling and eating out is having access to safe gluten-free options.
In 2023, the National Law 27.196 was enacted, which requires the foodservice sector to offer gluten-free options. We have worked alongside the national health authority (ANMAT) to develop a guide of best practices for the foodservice sector, which includes all the guidelines for creating a safe gluten-free menu.
We are still in the implementation phase of the law, so not all food establishments have adapted to it yet. However, the offering of gluten-free foods by the hospitality sector is growing every day, even in those establishments that choose to make their entire kitchen gluten-free.
Moreover, service stations are now beginning to offer gluten-free snack options to make it easier for travelers on the long roads of our vast country.
How does the government support people with celiac disease (food labeling laws, healthcare coverage, financial assistance for gluten-free food)?
Although the Argentina Celiac Association has been working since 1978 to defend the rights of people with celiac disease, it was very important to have government support to improve the quality of life for those of us who must follow a gluten-free diet.
After many years of fighting for a law that would defend the rights of people with celiac disease, we succeeded in having the National Law No. 26,588 passed in 2009 (which was later amended by Law 27,196), which establishes the following:
- It declares medical care and research into celiac disease and professional training for early detection as matters of national interest. This undoubtedly helped more people receive an early diagnosis and led to the inclusion of this condition in the Mandatory Medical Program.
- The amount of gluten permitted in food (10 ppm) was established, and the guidelines for certifying and labeling a food as gluten-free were defined. Gluten detection laboratories were set up in each of our country’s provinces to strengthen analytical capacity and food control and monitoring.
- It was established that Health Insurance Providers and Prepaid Medicine Entities must provide coverage for people with celiac disease, including detection, diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment, as well as financial coverage for the purchase of gluten-free products. In cases where people do not have Health Insurance or Prepaid Medicine, the governmental Social Development area of each jurisdiction must provide similar coverage.
What role does the Argentina Celiac Association play in raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and supporting the celiac disease community?
Since 1978, the Association has contributed to raising awareness and promoting the rights of people with celiac disease, always focusing on the social care of the most vulnerable sectors of society.
From its beginnings, it has collaborated in the development of diagnostic and care centers to avoid the long and costly travel to the largest urban centers. This has undoubtedly contributed to more people receiving a diagnosis and improving their quality of life.
Currently, it is the only national institution providing support and assistance through its branches and delegations in various parts of the country for those who must follow a gluten-free diet.
We have also actively participated in the drafting and enactment of laws that contribute to improving the quality of life of people with celiac disease and their families.
How has the perception of celiac disease in Argentina changed over the years, and what steps still need to be taken to improve education and accommodations for people with celiac disease?
Currently, we can say that celiac disease has gained significant recognition in the general community in our country. We have worked for many years to make this happen. We have carried out campaigns in public spaces, media outlets, and social networks. In Argentina, most of the population knows that this condition exists and, in broad terms, which foods a person with celiac disease cannot consume. However, there is still a lack of greater inclusion from the hospitality and foodservice sector to ensure that eating out is not a problem.
It is also imperative to continue working to improve access to gluten-free foods, whether by encouraging new developments or reducing the cost and price of these products to close the existing gap between gluten-containing and gluten-free products.
Looking Ahead: Driving Global Research and Policy
The Celiac Disease Foundation is leading global efforts to advance celiac disease research and policy. Through partnerships throughout Latin America and with The Argentina Celiac Association, we are accelerating critical research, advocating for global gluten-free standards, and shaping policies that will improve diagnosis, treatment, and long-term disease management worldwide.
