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Australia is considered a haven for gluten-free travellers and residents alike. The country has strict legislation regarding 'gluten-free' claims, with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) defining a 'gluten-free' claim as a nutrition content claim. This means that products or menu items labelled as 'gluten-free' must contain no detectable gluten. This is in contrast to other countries such as the USA, UK and EU, whose regulations allow gluten-free products to contain up to 20 parts per million of gluten. Australia's strict standards make it easier for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity to find suitable food options when travelling, dining out, or shopping in supermarkets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free claim definition | Nutrition content claim |
| Gluten-free claim requirements | No detectable gluten |
| Testing methods | Detection limit of 3-5 parts per million |
| Oats | Naturally gluten-free but often contaminated during harvest or storage |
| Food businesses | Must prove nutritional claims and include information on the packaging |
| Tools | FSANZ's Nutrition Panel Calculator |
| Coeliac disease | Requires a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet |
| Gluten-free diet | May lack essential nutrients if not well-balanced |
| Gluten-free products | Found in health food aisles of major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths |
| Eating out | Most restaurants offer gluten-free options or can cater to requests |
| Asian food | A good gluten-free option due to the prevalence of rice noodle soups and sushi rolls |
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What You'll Learn
Gluten-free labelling laws in Australia
In Australia, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) set the standards for food labelling, which is outlined in the Food Standards Code. Gluten is identified as one of the top eleven allergens under the Code. A gluten-free claim on a product label is considered a nutrition content claim.
A gluten-free claim can only be included on a product label if the product contains no detectable gluten. The threshold for gluten detection in Australia is less than 3 parts per million (PPM). This is in contrast to other countries such as the US, the UK, and the EU, which allow gluten-free products to contain up to 20 PPM of gluten.
Food businesses can make gluten-free products in the same facility they use to produce gluten-containing products by implementing good allergen management practices. These practices include creating a product schedule, as well as appropriate controls for cleaning, sanitising, and preventing cross-contamination.
The terms gluten-free and wheat-free must be declared separately in the allergen summary statement. If a product contains wheat-derived ingredients that do not contain gluten, the label must state 'Contains: Wheat' without the 'Contains: Gluten' declaration. Wheat-derived glucose is exempt from mandatory allergen declaration if gluten levels are below 20 PPM.
Creative terms such as 'no added gluten', 'gluten-friendly', 'gluten removed', and 'coeliac-friendly' are not permitted under the Code. The use of the name of any disease on food packaging or menus is not permitted unless the product is endorsed by Coeliac Australia.
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Gluten-free dining out in Australia
Australia has strict legislation regarding gluten-free claims, with products or menu items needing to contain no detectable gluten to be labelled 'gluten-free'. This is in contrast to other countries, which allow for gluten-free products to contain up to 20 parts per million of gluten. This means that those with coeliac disease can dine out in Australia with confidence.
When dining out in Australia, it is always a good idea to research ahead of time. Most restaurants will have their menus available to view online, and you can always give them a call to discuss your needs if gluten-free options are not listed. Mexican restaurants are a good option, with dishes like tacos often being gluten-free. Asian food is also popular in Australia, and many Asian dishes, such as rice noodle soups and sushi rolls, are gluten-free.
If you haven't called ahead, tell the waiter that you require gluten-free food as soon as you arrive and ask if they can cater to you. Be prepared to pay more, as gluten-free foods often cost restaurants more to produce. It is also important to exercise common sense and patience, and to remember that not everything on the menu will be gluten-free. Unexpected sources of gluten can include bread served as an accompaniment to soup, so always check that any bread is gluten-free.
There are also a number of resources available to help you find gluten-free dining options in Australia. Coeliac Australia, for example, offers a restaurant finder, as well as a range of other resources to help you understand best practices when serving gluten-free food.
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Gluten-free shopping in Australia
Australia has strict legislation regarding gluten-free claims on food products. According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), a product can only be labelled 'gluten-free' if it contains no detectable gluten. This is in contrast to countries like the US, UK, and EU, where gluten-free products can contain up to 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
For those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, shopping for gluten-free products in Australia is relatively straightforward. The two main supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths, have a good selection of gluten-free options in their health food aisles. However, these products tend to be expensive, with bread costing around $6-7. Asian food, such as rice noodle soups and sushi rolls, is widely available and affordable, and most gluten-free.
When shopping for gluten-free products, it is essential to read labels carefully. While products labelled 'gluten-free' are safe, it is important to remember that manufacturing processes can change, so always double-check. Websites and apps can be helpful tools to find and review gluten-free products, although labels should always be checked to confirm.
For those travelling in Australia, gluten-free restaurant cards can be useful. In cities like Sydney, most restaurants offer gluten-free options or are willing to accommodate such requests. Mexican restaurants and buffet-style restaurants often have good gluten-free choices, and backpacking hostels typically have shared kitchens where you can prepare your own meals.
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Gluten-free travel in Australia
Australia is considered a haven for gluten-free travellers, with many gluten-free options available in restaurants and supermarkets. Here is a guide to help you navigate gluten-free travel in Australia.
Eating Out
When eating out in Australia, you will find that many restaurants are used to providing gluten-free meals. Most menus will have gluten-free options clearly marked, and even if they don't, you can always ask, and most places will be happy to accommodate your needs. It is always a good idea to mention your dietary requirements when ordering, as cross-contamination can sometimes occur. Mexican restaurants, such as Guzman y Gomez and Montezuma's, are a great option for gluten-free tacos. You can also find gluten-free options at the Sky Tower revolving restaurant in Sydney, which offers a buffet with clearly labelled gluten-free options and stunning views of the city.
Supermarkets
The main supermarkets in Australia, Coles and Woolworths, offer a great selection of gluten-free food in their health food aisles. You can find gluten-free bread, snacks, and cake mixes, although these options tend to be more expensive than gluten-containing products.
Asian Food
Asian food is very popular in Australia due to the country's links to the Pacific, and fortunately, many Asian dishes are naturally gluten-free. Rice noodle soups and sushi rolls are excellent gluten-free options, and you'll find sushi restaurants readily available in most cities, offering cheap and tasty gluten-free meals.
Travel
When travelling, it is essential to plan ahead. Most airlines offer gluten-free meal options, so be sure to call the airline or check their website to request a gluten-free meal. Singapore Airlines, for example, offers a great range of meals for passengers with special dietary requirements. If you prefer to bring your own food, remember to pack gluten-free snacks just in case!
Resources
There are several resources available to help you find gluten-free options while travelling in Australia. Coeliac Australia offers a restaurant finder and travel information, as well as gluten-free restaurant cards in various languages. You can also download apps to locate nearby restaurants with gluten-free options.
Food Standards
It is important to note that the Australian Food Standard prohibits the use of a 'gluten-free' claim on products containing oats, even if there is no measurable contamination with wheat, rye, or barley. This differs from regulations in Europe and the USA, where oats can be marketed as 'gluten-free'. Testing methods in Australia can detect gluten levels as low as three to five parts per million, which is considered the 'limit of detection'.
With a little planning and the use of available resources, gluten-free travel in Australia can be a delicious and enjoyable experience!
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Gluten-free at home in Australia
Australia has strict legislation regarding gluten-free claims on food products. According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), a product can only be labelled gluten-free if it contains no detectable gluten. This is in contrast to other countries, such as the US, UK and EU, where products can contain up to 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten and still be considered gluten-free.
For those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, navigating the supermarket and food labels can be confusing. The main supermarkets in Australia, Coles and Woolworths, have a range of gluten-free options, often found in the health food aisles. However, these products can be expensive, with bread costing around $6-7. It is important to always check product labels and be aware of ingredients that may contain gluten. Oats, for example, are naturally gluten-free but can become contaminated during harvest or storage. If you are unsure, it is best to contact the manufacturer. Organisations like Coeliac Australia can provide resources and support for those needing to follow a gluten-free diet.
When eating out in Australia, it is generally easy to find gluten-free options, especially in larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Most restaurants offer gluten-free meals or are happy to accommodate requests. It is always a good idea to research ahead of time and call the restaurant if needed. Be prepared to pay more for gluten-free options, as these often cost restaurants more to produce.
At home, preparing gluten-free meals requires some extra care. It is important to prevent cross-contamination by keeping separate utensils and appliances, or at least thoroughly cleaning them before use. Store gluten-free items separately to avoid mistakes. When cooking, use fresh water and clean oil, and avoid dusting surfaces or ingredients with gluten-containing flour.
Living gluten-free in Australia is made easier by the availability of gluten-free products in supermarkets and the willingness of restaurants to accommodate dietary requirements. However, it is important to remain vigilant and proactive, especially when eating out, to ensure your food is truly gluten-free.
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Frequently asked questions
In Australia, a product is considered gluten-free if it contains 'no detectable gluten'. Testing methods in the country can detect as low as 3-5 parts per million, which is considered 'the limit of detection'.
Australia is considered a haven for people with coeliac disease. Most restaurants have gluten-free options or are happy to accommodate requests for gluten-free meals. Asian food is popular in Australia, and many Asian dishes like rice noodle soups and sushi rolls are gluten-free. The main supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths, also have a good selection of gluten-free products in the health food aisles.
It is always a good idea to check with the manufacturer if you are unsure about a product. Coeliac Australia has a restaurant finder and other resources to help you find gluten-free options. Remember to check the labels, as ingredients can change at any time.
A gluten-free diet is essential for people with coeliac disease. For others, it is important to consider the disadvantages, as a gluten-free diet can lack essential nutrients if not well-balanced. It is recommended to seek guidance from a dietitian to ensure your diet is nutritionally adequate.
