About the disease

Coeliac Disease affects up to 220,000 Australians, approximately 1 in every
100 people. The disease is caused by intolerance to gluten, a protein found
in wheat, rye and barley.  The intolerance to gluten results in damage to
the lining of the small intestine. Damage of the villi can prevent adequate
digestion of foods and also prevents adequate absorption of nutrients from
food such as; proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and, in some cases,
water and bile salts (G.W.D.C., 2003). The most common symptoms of coeliac
are diarrhoea and abdominal pain, but other symptoms are mouth ulcers,
tiredness and aching joints. Some people with coeliac disease have no
symptoms at all. Coeliac disease can cause some types of gastro intestinal
cancers, constipation, osteoporosis, iron deficiency and delayed
development. Coeliac disease can be diagnosed with a simple blood test and an endoscopy.
(Negus, 2004)

At present there is no known cure for coeliac disease.  The only known
remedy for the disease is the lifelong avoidance of foods containing gluten.


Facts and Figures;

· The disease has become more common in the last 10 years. This is probably
due to the increased awareness of the disease and the scale it affects those
afflicted.

· Because it is inherited, it can affect some close relatives of Coeliacs at
any time in their life. Around 10% of all first degree relatives of a person
with the disease will have the disease (CHW, 2004).

· Coeliac disease can develop in association with other similar
immunological conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease and down
syndrome (CHW, 2004).

· Only 10-20% of individuals with Coeliac Disease are currently diagnosed.

· Coeliac Disease affects up to 220,000 Australians (1 in 100).

· Coeliac society of NSW has in excess of 6,000 members with between 100 and
120 new members joining every month.

· Coeliac Society of VIC has in excess of 4,000 members with approximately
70 new members joining each month.

· Coeliac Society of QLD has in excess of 4,200 members with at least 70 new
members joining every month.

· Rocco Sorelle is a member if QLD Coeliac Society.

· Membership of any Australian Coeliac Society is only open to people
diagnosed with Coeliac Disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, and those
medically diagnosed as requiring a gluten free diet and their carers. A
letter from a registered medical practitioner is required to verify the
above. Also manufacturers of GF Foods and Medical Practitioners are able to
join.

· People with Coeliac disease are recommended to observe a life long gluten
free diet. (CSA, 2004)

· The 2003 ratios of prevalence of the disease is as follows;
Australia - 1:200
UK - 1:1200
Western Ireland - 1:300
Northern Ireland - 1:153
Italy - 1:184
Sweden - 1:250

(GWDC, 2003)

Labelling Of Gluten Free Foods
The Australian Foods Standards Code requires that:
 Food labelled as 'gluten free' must not contain any detectable gluten
· Food labelled as 'low gluten' must contain less than 0.02% gluten
· A panel providing nutritional information is required if food is described
as being gluten free or low gluten
 New changes to the Australian Foods Standards require that ingredients
derived from gluten containing grains must always be declared on food
labels. This requirement is part of a new food standard relating to
Mandatory Labelling of Food Likely to Cause Adverse Reactions (including
gluten). (CSA, 2003)
Rocco Sorelle Gluten Free Pasta complies with these requirements.