The European Union has clear and strict food labelling legislation, primarily Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, which mandates that all allergens must be clearly and mandatorily listed on the label.

This also includes:

• wheat

• rye

• barley

• oats

• gluten as such

  
  

In total, 14 allergens must be listed, which pose a health risk.

Key fact:
If any ingredient – including an additive or E-number – contains gluten or is derived from a gluten source, this must be clearly indicated on the packaging.

Gluten cannot be 'hidden' in E-numbers

One of the most common myths is that gluten can be concealed behind an E-number or technical term. This is simply not true.

Gluten:

• cannot be listed solely as a number

• cannot be disguised within an E-number

• cannot be excluded from a food label

  
  

If an additive contained wheat, barley or another gluten source, this should be explicitly stated, usually with emphasis (e.g. bold among allergens).

Why are lists of E-numbers problematic?

Many lists circulate online and on social media:

• of ‘suspicious’ E-numbers

• of ‘potentially dangerous’ additives

• of ‘prohibited’ additives for coeliacs

  
  

These lists are often:

• outdated

• taken out of context

• ignoring current legislation

• a source of unnecessary fear

  
  

Instead of helping, they often lead to excessive food exclusion, impoverished diets and a poorer relationship with food.

What really matters when reading labels?

Instead of relying on tables and lists, check these three things:

First ingredients – whether they contain wheat, barley, rye or oats (except certified gluten-free oats).
Then allergens – whether gluten is listed among the mandatory allergens.
And finally trace warnings – whether ‘may contain gluten’ is indicated.

If:

• gluten is not among the ingredients

• not listed among the allergens

• no trace warning

  
  

➡️ the product is safe for a person with coeliac disease, regardless of how many E-numbers it contains.

The food label is a legally binding document

The food label is not just informational text but a legally accountable statement by the producer. Incorrect or misleading labelling is a breach of legislation and can lead to severe penalties.

Therefore, manufacturers:

• do not ‘forget’ to list gluten

• do not hide allergens

• do not leave it to chance

The system is designed to protect consumers.

Less fear, more knowledge

Coeliac disease requires caution, not constant fear. European legislation exists to protect us – and in practice, it works.

Instead of relying on unchecked lists from the internet, we can rely on:

• legislation

• correct reading of labels

• verified information

This means more freedom, more choice, and a better quality of life with coeliac disease.