Coeliac Australia
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Home / Business / Accreditation

Gluten free eating
out of home – serve with
confidence

A program for Food Service Providers

Give your business a distinct commercial advantage

What is Accreditation: The Coeliac Australia Accreditation Program is the trusted standard for the service of gluten free meals in the Australian Food Service industry. It is designed to:

  • Help businesses demonstrate the safety of their gluten free menu
  • Remove doubt for the consumer.

The program is a structured approach to ensure practices and protocols meet the strict criteria for meeting the gluten free claim as set out by FSANZ.

 

The gluten-free market for food services

The 2021 Coeliac Australia Member Survey demonstrated the most important issue for those with coeliac disease, is eating out of the home in a trusted venue. 97% reported it difficult to eat out when seeking gluten free, with 80 % indicating difficulty in finding an appropriate venue to eat out at.

Gluten-free market estimate: It is estimated over 12% of Australians follow a gluten-free diet or need to exclude gluten from their dietary intake, representing 3 million Australians.

 

History of accreditation

The program design commenced in 2013 with the first Accredited venue launched in 2017. Consultation with specialists within food services and allergen management was sought nationally and internationally to develop the Standard for Food service for Gluten Free management in Australia. The aim of the program has been designed to support both food services and the gluten free consumer. 

 

Who can apply

Accreditation is open to businesses operating within food services, including hospitality, aged care and active retailers (selling meals direct to consumer) ie butchery, bakery, food truck, café. To apply CLICK HERE/PRESS THE APPLY BUTTON.

The program is recognised by the gluten-free consumer seeking a safe gluten free experience, as credible

 

80%

Of Gluten Free consumers indicate they use the accreditation program to find appropriate gluten-free venues.

97%

Of gluten free consumers find it difficult to eat out gluten free.

estimated 3m

Australians seek a gluten-free venue to eat out at

*2021 Coeliac Australia Member survey

Benefits of the program

Logo & Certification

  • Use of the Coeliac Australia Accreditation Logo on and in association with all assets.
  • Issue of a certificate of accreditation.

 

Training

  • 5 Free licences to complete the Coeliac Australia Online training program for staff to complete. Plus 5 new licences/access upon renewal.
  • Building skills in being well versed in communication with the gluten free consumer, in addition to understanding gluten free management from correct storage, preparation, service and cooking methods.

 

Marketing / Advertising Opportunities

  • Social Media: One launch post on the Coeliac Australia social media platforms of: Instagram and Facebook.
  • National eNews: One post in the monthly eNews to members nationally.
  • National Magazine: One post in the biannual magazine as introduction to the Endorsement Portfolio.
  • Website Listing: Continuous Listing on the Coeliac Australia website.
  • Expo Exposure: Product is displayed on the Coeliac Australia stand at annual Expos.

 

Discounts

  • To You: To Coeliac Australia hosted Gluten Free Expos (2.5%) and National Magazine Advertising (10%).
  • For Members: Opportunity to offer Coeliac Australia members discounts to your product or online shopping – this is displayed on the members only access portal of the Coeliac Australia website using unique supplied codes to yourself.

 

Requirements For Accreditation?

  • OFFER OF GLUTEN FREE ON THE MENU: Your kitchen does not need to be exclusively gluten free.
  • DOCUMENT REVIEW PROCESS: The document review process is paper audit of your ingredients, recipes, practices, protocols and
  • SUBMISSION OF LAB TESTING REPORT: Supply of lab testing reports for indicated menu items.
  • ONSITE AUDIT: Pass the onsite audit

Accreditation process?

Accreditation is only for food services and catering where a food product is directly served to the customer.

The Accreditation Program is a 5 Step process of:

Document Review

In depth assessments of protocols, staff, menu, ingredients, recipes and procedures. templates and guidance provided.

Laboratory Testing

Guidance provided on sourcing a laboratory and which menu items to submit for testing.

Onsite Audit

Arranged by coeliac australia to confirm practice against the coelaic Australia gluten free standard for australian food providers.

Licencing

Agreement between coeliac australia and partner for use of accreditation. The licence is a 12 month period.

Launch

Series of announcements to market on launch of accredited site to coeliac australia audience and members via website, print and various social media sites.

Eligibility

To be eligible the facility does NOT have to be operating 100% gluten free. Accreditation is open to food service businesses including:

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés and bakeries
  • Butchers
  • Food trucks
  • Catering services
  • Quick Service restaurants and casual dining 

Quotes from accredited participants

Contact us

We can help you build your gluten free business

If you would like to learn how we can help you build your gluten free business or for more information on the accreditation program, the process involved and fees associated

*2023 Coeliac Australia Member survey