Submission ID 118348
| Issue/Objective | As global diets diversify and chronic conditions like celiac disease (CeD) gain recognition, gluten-free labeling has shifted from a consumer trend to a public health necessity. For individuals with CeD, accurate labeling is essential to preventing serious health complications. However, regulatory approaches to gluten-free claims vary widely across countries, raising questions about equity, safety, and institutional trust. This study investigates how gluten-free labeling policies are designed and implemented across the Group of Seven (G7) countries-Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan-and how these policies reflect broader commitments to health governance and inclusion. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Using the 3I framework (Interests, Institutions, and Ideas) this study conducted a comparative policy analysis between September 2024 and March 2025. Data sources included peer-reviewed literature, regulatory agency publications, government reports, and gray literature from national celiac associations. Thematic coding was used to analyze gluten threshold levels, enforcement strategies, financial support mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement practices within each country. |
| Results | All seven countries maintain a gluten threshold of less than 20 ppm for packaged foods, but enforcement practices and policy scope vary. Italy and France provide substantial public financial support for gluten-free diets through monthly stipends or partial reimbursements. In contrast, the United States and Japan rely on market-based models with minimal oversight or subsidy. Menu labeling remains inconsistent across the G7, with notable gaps in regulation for restaurants and food service providers. Cultural values and institutional trust heavily influence perceptions of risk and responsibility, shaping whether gluten-free policies are framed as health rights or consumer preferences. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Findings underscore significant disparities in how states conceptualize and operationalize gluten-free access. Where some see a public obligation, others defer to individual responsibility and market mechanisms. Reframing gluten-free labeling as a matter of health equity, rather than niche preference, can strengthen consumer protection, reduce economic barriers, and enhance trust in health institutions. This study highlights the need for harmonized international standards and context-sensitive policies that recognize CeD not just as a dietary concern, but as a global health commitment. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Srishti Sharma McMaster University Srishti Sharma McMaster University Jenna Dowhaniuk McMaster University |
