Access to trustworthy, evidence-based information is especially important when managing coeliac disease. Accurate information supports safe diagnosis, appropriate medical follow-up, and lifelong coeliac disease management.
This page highlights official Australian organisations and regulatory bodies that provide reliable guidance and help reduce confusion caused by conflicting or inaccurate information online.
These services can also be helpful when explaining coeliac disease to family members, schools, workplaces or health professionals.
NATIONAL COELIAC ORGANISATION
Coeliac Australia is a Not For Profit organisation and the peak national body for coeliac disease in Australia. It provides:
- Evidence-based guidance on diagnosis and management
- Gluten free diet standards and labelling information
- Ingredient list education and tools
- Ongoing monitoring and medical guidance
- Advocacy and regulatory engagement
FINDING A QUALIFIED DIETITIAN
An Accredited Practising Dietitian with experience in coeliac disease can assist with:
- Nutrient assessment and deficiency management
- Ongoing dietary review
- Cross-contamination risk assessment
- Iron and absorption issues
- Support during healing or persistent symptoms
Dietitians Australia โ find an Accredited Practising Dietitian (external)
GOVERNMENT HEALTH INFORMATION
Healthdirect provides medically reviewed public health information and is supported by Australian governments.
REPORTING NON-COMPLIANT FOOD LABELLING
National framework
Food labelling standards are set nationally under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) develops the standards, but enforcement is handled by individual state and territory authorities, and in many cases by local councils.
Advertising a product as gluten free when it does not meet this standard may constitute a breach of food standards and consumer law.
WHEN TO CONSIDER REPORTING
You may consider reporting if:
- A product containing wheat, rye, barley or oats is labelled โgluten freeโ
- A product is advertised (online, in-store, menu, social media) as gluten free but contains gluten
- Allergen declarations are missing or incorrect
- An imported product does not meet Australian allergen labelling requirements
- A food business claims gluten free but cannot manage cross-contamination
HOW TO PREPARE BEFORE REPORTING
Providing clear information helps authorities assess concerns effectively.
Consider including:
- Product name
- Brand
- Batch number
- Best before date
- Photos of packaging and ingredient lists
- Screenshots of online advertisements or menu claims
- Date and location of purchase
Stick to factual observations rather than assumptions.
REPORTING RESPECTFULLY & FACTUALLY
When submitting a complaint:
- Describe exactly what the label or advertisement states
- Identify the specific concern (e.g., โProduct contains barley malt but is labelled gluten freeโ)
- Avoid emotional or accusatory language
- Provide supporting evidence where possible
Authorities assess complaints based on regulatory criteria, so clarity and evidence are more helpful than opinion.
Reporting non-compliant labelling helps protect the coeliac community and supports accurate enforcement of food standards.
HOW TO REPORT
This page lists the government agencies responsible for food law enforcement in each Australian state and territory.
If you cannot easily find the complaint form for your state, try a Google search for:
- โmake a food labelling complaint [your state]โ
- โreport misleading food label [your state]โ
- โfood safety complaint [your state] health departmentโ
For concerns about restaurants, cafรฉs or other food businesses, the complaint pathway is often through your local council environmental health department.
When making a report, it may help to include:
- Product name and brand
- Photos of the label or packaging
- Batch number or best-before date
- Where the product was purchased
- Screenshots of any misleading advertising or information
Providing clear, factual information helps authorities investigate potential breaches of food standards.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
Official information is one part of managing coeliac disease. You may also find it helpful to explore: