A Major Step Forward in Gluten Free Diagnoses and What It Means For You

What’s happened?

In May 2025 the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) announced the development of the world’s first certified reference material (CRM) for the diagnosis of coeliac disease. 

Until now, different labs and diagnostic kits have used a variety of antibodies and calibration standards to test for coeliac disease (for example the anti-tissue transglutaminase or anti-tTG antibodies). Because there was no universal benchmark, results could vary significantly between labs; meaning a test result taken in one place might not be directly comparable with another. 

The newly introduced CRM provides a “gold standard” reference material that labs everywhere can use to calibrate their tests, so no matter where you are, your result should be more reliable. It’s an important step in the global effort to harmonise (make consistent) autoimmune testing. 

Why this matters for coeliac individuals and gluten-free businesses

• Better reliability of diagnosis: If you’ve been tested for coeliac disease (or are yet to be), it’s reassuring to know the diagnostic processes are improving, meaning fewer mis-diagnoses or delays.

  
  
  
  

• More confidence in the gluten-free lifestyle: For those living with coeliac disease, gluten-free isn’t a “trend”  it’s essential. Better diagnosis supports better understanding of the condition, and reinforces the importance of safe, certified gluten-free environments.

  
  
  
  

• Stronger trust in food-safe environments: As a dedicated gluten-free bakery in Runcorn, we know how vital it is to create a food-safe space. This new diagnostic standard reflects the broader seriousness of coeliac care, and we’re proud to reflect that in our practices.

  
  
  
  

• We’re aligned with the community: We celebrate positive advances in coeliac research and diagnostics because they benefit our customers and the gluten-free community at large.

  
  
  
  

What to do as a consumer / patient

• If you suspect coeliac disease or haven’t been tested but have symptoms, talk to your GP and ask about up-to-date testing methods.

  
  
  
  

• If you have a diagnosis, ask about how your testing was handled and whether you’re confident in the results; you now have more reason to ask the “which lab/test kit?” question.

  
  
  
  

• For those following a gluten-free diet: continue to prioritise gluten-free certified food outlets and products. Diagnosis is one part of the picture, safe food preparation and handling are the other.

  
  
  
  

• If you’re a friend, partner or family member of someone with coeliac disease: this is a good topic to share and show you’re invested in their health and well-being.

  
  
  
  

What this means for The Gluten Free World

At The Gluten Free World we don’t just bake gluten-free, we bake with understanding - understanding the medical realities behind coeliac disease, the importance of contamination control, and the need for transparency in ingredients and practices.

With diagnostics improving, it underscores our commitment to deliver high-quality, truly gluten-free treats for our customers. Whether you’re coming in for a mince pie, a loaf, or some festive goodies, you can trust that we take “gluten-free” very seriously.

Final word

Better diagnostic standards = better outcomes for individuals with coeliac disease = greater peace of mind for everyone in the gluten-free community. At The Gluten Free World we’re proud to stay aligned with these developments and continue baking in a way you can trust.

If you’ve recently been tested or diagnosed and want to chat about how we prepare our bakery (or how you can navigate the gluten-free world), drop by or message us, we’re always here for you.

Stay safe, stay gluten-free, and have a wonderful festive season ahead! 💚🎄

The Gluten Free World Team