About 1% of citizens in western countries have celiac disease, but government policies regarding the disease are still in their early stages. Some governments have begun to realize that this disease is becoming more common, however, and have created laws to help make following a gluten-free lifestyle more manageable. Policies such as tax breaks, financial aid, and various means of standardization are becoming more and more widespread in Europe, but very few are yet seen in the US.
In many countries, prescriptions—similar to allowances—are offered so that gluten-free food may be purchased for a reduced cost, or no cost at all. The amount of gluten-free food available on the prescription varies primarily depending on age and gender, but also on other factors. In the UK, for example, citizens who have a high level of physical activity, are breastfeeding, or are in their third trimester of pregnancy receive additional food allotments. Prescriptions are usually reimbursed by health insurance plans, but are free in some places, such as Ireland. The products are considered staples, and are allocated so that they make up approximately 15% of the food consumed by citizens with an allotment.
Some countries, however, have moved beyond basic food prescriptions, and become much more involved. In Italy, celiacs are entitled to gluten-free meals in schools, hospitals, and all public eating establishments by law. Not only are Italian citizens given a monthly stipend to spend on gluten-free foods, but they are also given extra vacation time to spend shopping for and preparing these foods. Any citizen over 10 years of age is given a monthly stipend of €140.00, or approximately 184.00 USD, with which they can purchase gluten-free foods. In order to stay current, the ministry of health periodically updates the “register of food,” which lists the foods that the stipend may be spent on. There is even a census taken to determine the number of people with Celiac Disease, so that the government can make the most informed decisions possible.
Tax deductions are another way governments are helping to ease the burden of purchasing gluten-free foods. Canadian citizens, for example, may deduct any “incremental cost associated with the purchase of gluten-free products, as compared to the cost of comparable non-gluten-free products.” Simply put, any cost that would not otherwise be incurred may be deducted. However, for US citizens, the IRS has no specific law related to celiac disease. The agency will allow citizens to take tax deductions if their total medical expenses amount to 7.5% of their income, but the law is not specifically meant for those with celiac disease—it covers all medical conditions.
Though standards have been created worldwide for labeling gluten-free food, the US currently has no legal definition of the term “gluten-free.” Some countries have set standards as low as 5 parts per million of gluten—as low as can be detected by modern instruments—but the FDA has yet to make a ruling. There are organizations in North America that offer gluten-free certifications, but not every gluten-free product has this certification. The GFCO, or Gluten-Free Certification Organization, will certify food products as “gluten-free” if they contain levels of gluten at 10 parts per million or less. Glutino is not certified by the GFCO, but is deeply committed to meeting or exceeding the standards for gluten-free products and conducts stringent quality control processes that go beyond industry standards.
As governments and consumers become more knowledgeable, perhaps further changes will be seen, benefitting the millions affected by celiac disease. Even by simply following the lead that other western countries have put forth, the US could move far beyond it where it currently is. The implementation of stipends, allowances, and tax breaks would benefit a huge populace, and regulations regarding food labeling could impact the entire nation for the better. There is a long way to go, but through continually making small steps forward a brighter future will soon be in sight.
