Spain opened a new subsidy to help celiac residents cover the cost of gluten-free food, Sydney Airport pointed travelers to gluten-free options after a customer complaint went public — though the venues’ own labeling turned out to vary widely — and four gluten-related bills are now moving through the U.S. Congress. This edition of The Gluten-Free Brief also covers argenx’s planned acquisition of a celiac drug candidate, advancing celiac legislation in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, and gluten and wheat recalls across the US, UK, and Australia.
Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region has opened applications for its 2026 celiac support program.
Eligible residents with celiac disease can receive €500 per person, up to €1,000 per household, to help offset gluten-free diet costs; applications close August 31.
Sources: Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha; Asociación de Celiacos y Sensibles al Gluten, Aug. 2026
Sydney Airport responded to an influencer’s gluten-free complaint.
The airport shared seven suggested options across its terminals, but the venues’ own labeling varies — “gluten free,” “gluten-free friendly,” “no added gluten” — terms that don’t all mean the same level of safety for celiac travelers.
Sources: Sydney Airport TikTok, Aug. 5, 2026; Yahoo News Australia, Aug. 7, 2026
Four gluten-related bills are now before the U.S. Congress.
The FASTER Act would expand allergen labeling beyond wheat and require an HHS report on celiac disease, joining three other proposals affecting food and medication labeling. None have become law.
Sources: Congress.gov, July 30, 2026; National Celiac Association, Aug. 4, 2026
argenx plans to acquire Forte Biosciences, adding a celiac drug candidate to its pipeline.
The proposed $2.2 billion deal would add FB102 after Forte reported positive Phase 1b celiac results. Phase 2 data are expected later this year, although the treatment remains investigational.
Sources: argenx, July 27 & Aug. 6, 2026; Forte Biosciences SEC filings
Emilia-Romagna has selected a base text for proposed celiac disease legislation.
The regional Health Commission chose one of two bills for further work on diagnosis, care, existing gluten-free food support, and foodservice training; it has not yet become law.
Sources: Emilia-Romagna Legislative Assembly, July 27, 2026; Regione Emilia-Romagna
Three countries announced new gluten-related food recalls.
Lidl US expanded a recall of Eridanous shortbread sold without English allergen information, the UK recalled Lay’s Sour Cream & Dill Crisps for undeclared wheat and milk, and Australia recalled Viet Meatballs Chinese Sausage for undeclared gluten.
Sources: FDA, July 31, 2026; UK FSA, July 31, 2026; FSANZ, July 24, 2026
The Gluten-Free Brief is a twice-monthly informational news roundup from the Gluten-Free Food Program. It is provided for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from qualified professionals. Inclusion of any product, brand, or organization does not imply endorsement by GFFP. Previous editions can be found here and on our LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
