How do I read food labels to ensure that foods are gluten-free?
Only foods that are gluten-free can be included in this diet – even foods labeled as “low gluten” must be avoided. According to Australian Food Standards, gluten-free foods must not contain any detectable gluten, with a specific limit of 0.003%. Any food that carries a claim of being gluten-free must have a nutrition information panel that specifically lists the amount of gluten it contains. In the case of foods that don’t have a nutrition information panel containing details about gluten content, it is necessary to read the ingredient list to check that all ingredients are gluten-free. You can obtain a copy of an ingredients list book when you join your local Coeliac Society of Australia. This book is an essential guide to the ingredients in foods and anyone with coeliac disease should ensure they have an up-to-date copy.
