UK Food Certification has rebranded to Amtivo! Find out more >>

AOECS Standard for Gluten-Free Food

Created by the AOECS (Association of European Coeliac Societies), this standard helps businesses systematically and safely produce and package gluten-free products, protecting customer health.

Get Started Today

Enter your details below to get started on
your journey to certification.

What Is the AOECS Standard?

The AOECS Standard for Gluten-Free Foods is a certification program created by the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) to ensure the safety and quality of gluten-free products. The AOECS is an organisation that represents national coeliac societies across Europe.

This standard sets strict criteria for gluten content, requiring products to have less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, in accordance with international guidelines.

It provides a reliable framework for food manufacturers, helping them create safe products for people with coeliac disease. The standard includes thorough auditing and testing processes, giving consumers trust in gluten-free labels.

The AOECS gluten free standard

Understanding the AOECS Standard

The AOECS Standard for Gluten-Free Food has become a European benchmark for gluten-free product safety, helping businesses make safe products that comply with dietary regulations. Certified products carry the Crossed Grain Trademark.

This standard focuses on risk-based thinking and works well with other Quality Management Systems, such as the BRCGS Gluten-Free Standard, to provide comprehensive gluten-free controls.

It underscores the importance of leadership in making gluten-free assurance a strategic priority throughout the organisation, boosting product integrity and consumer trust.

AOECS standard for gluten-free foods

Who Needs AOECS?

The AOECS Standard is useful for any company wanting to improve the safety and integrity of their gluten-free products.

By implementing this standard, businesses can more effectively meet consumer and regulatory requirements for gluten-free products. It helps simplify production processes and improve quality management.

Achieving AOECS certification can be especially helpful for companies wanting to enter the gluten-free markets or establish themselves as trusted providers of gluten-free products.

Recognised throughout Europe, the AOECS standard helps businesses improve product safety and increase consumer confidence.

Who needs the AEOCS standard for gluten free foods

Benefits of AOECS

The AOECS Standard for Gluten-Free Foods offers several key benefits:

  • Consumer trust – Helps businesses deliver products that meet strict gluten-free criteria, boosting brand reputation.
  • Regulatory compliance – Helps businesses adhere to international regulations, which reduces legal risks.
  • Market access – Aligns with a recognised standard, creating new market opportunities.
  • Product safety – Ensures gluten levels stay below 20 ppm, making products safe for those with coeliac disease.
  • Risk management – Identifies and reduces contamination risks in production.
  • Operational efficiency – Streamlines processes, reducing waste and boosting productivity.
  • Competitive advantage – Sets products apart, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Benefits of the AOECS standard for gluten-free foods

The AOECS Standard Explained

AOECS Specification

The Association of European Coeliac Societies was founded in 1988 and introduced the AOECS Standard for Gluten-Free Foods in 2012.

This standard was developed to address the growing demand for reliable gluten-free certification and consistent product safety for individuals with coeliac disease.

The AOECS standard is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Food Safety Management Systems. It provides a structured framework for verifying gluten-free claims across various food industries and sectors, supporting compliance with international gluten-free regulations.

The latest version, Version 3, was introduced in September 2022 and became binding in 2023. This updated version includes revised technical requirements for food business operators and emphasises the use of HACCP systems to prevent gluten contamination during manufacturing, packaging, and storage processes.

AOECS Requirements

The AOECS standard helps you set up an effective Food Safety Management System for your business by focusing on several important areas for safe gluten-free food production and processing:

  • Gluten testing – Regularly test products to ensure gluten levels are below 20 ppm making them safe for people with coeliac disease.
  • Supplier validation – Check and monitor suppliers to ensure raw materials meet gluten-free standards.
  • Cross-contamination prevention – Implement strict controls to prevent gluten contamination during production and handling.
  • Traceability – Maintain full traceability from raw materials to finished products for accountability.
  • Labelling accuracy – Make sure all product labels truly show gluten-free status, complying with regulatory standards.
  • Staff training – Provide ongoing training to staff on gluten-free requirements and best practices.
  • Internal audits – Conduct regular audits to check compliance with gluten-free standards and find areas for improvement.

The AOECS has a strategic partnership with BRCGS for sites looking to market their products in Europe and neighbouring economies.

AOECS Certification

AOECS certification confirms that your company’s Gluten-Free Management System meets the stringent criteria set by the standard. It assures customers and partners that you consistently produce gluten-free products that are safe for individuals with coeliac disease.

These are the steps to AOECS certification:

  • Understand requirements – Familiarise yourself with the AOECS standard criteria.
  • Develop a management system – Implement a Food Safety Management System that includes supplier validation, cross-contamination prevention, traceability, and labelling accuracy.
  • Implement HACCP – Establish HACCP systems to manage contamination risks.
  • Conduct testing – Regularly test products and ingredients for compliance with gluten-free criteria.
  • Train staff – Provide continual training on gluten-free practices.
  • Internal audits – Regularly check your processes for compliance and improvement.
  • Apply for certification – Contact us to begin the application process.
  • External audit – Undergo an audit to verify compliance.
  • Address issues – Correct any non-conformities identified during the audit.
  • Receive certification – Upon meeting requirements, achieve certification and use the Crossed Grain Trademark.
  • Maintain compliance – Conduct regular audits and stay updated on standard changes.

AOECS Standard FAQs

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

Enter your details below to stay up to date with all the latest certification news and expert insights.

Related Standards

BRCGS Gluten Free

Learn about the BRCGS Gluten-Free standard – who needs it, why, it's important, and how to achieve certification.
Learn More

BRCGS START

Learn about BRCGS START – who needs it, why, and how to achieve certification for food safety practices in small businesses.
Learn More

BRCGS Packaging Materials

Discover BRCGS Packaging Materials and learn how to achieve certification for a QMS in the packaging industry.
Learn More

BRCGS Agents and Brokers

Discover BRCGS Agents & Brokers and how to certify your management system for safety and quality in the supply chain sector.
Learn More

BRCGS Plant Based

Discover the BRCGS Plant-Based standard and how to achieve certification for managing the production of plant-based foods.
Learn More