M Perreault 1-2, C Desjardins 3, C Randoll 1, E Lalanne 3, M Marquis 1

1 Département de Nutrition, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC
2 Centre Jean-Jacques-Gauthier, CIUSSS Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC
3 Cœliaque Québec, Boucherville, QC

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease for which the only treatment is a life-long gluten-free diet. This requires substantial changes in dietary habits, and assumes food literacy competencies to purchase gluten-free foods.

This study assessed the functional food literacy competencies, specifically "obtaining food" skills of this population.

A french questionnaire inspired by the Celiac Disease Quality of life Measure was reviewed by Coeliaque Québec scientific committee and approved by the Health and Science Research Ethics Board. In 2021, 12 000 Coeliaque Québec newsletter subscribers were invited to respond via the LimeSurvey platform. Five survey items related to the functional nutrition literacy competence "Obtaining food", according to the Slater 2022 food literacy framework.

A total of 1608 people participated and 733 questionnaires were analyzed. Eighty-seventh percent of respondents identified as women and the mean age was 48 +/- 15 years. Twenty percent find food labels difficult to understand. Also, 82% are bothered by the time it takes to locate gluten-free products in stores. When a certification logo is displayed on a new product, 35% will buy it without further checking the label, compared to only 12% when products only display a gluten-free claim. Twenty-nine percent will not buy a new product that does not have a gluten-free logo nor claim.

Although 2012 Canadian new regulations have made labels easier to read, respondents seem hesitant to trust logos and claims, and will read the food label despite the time it requires. Many respondents avoid consuming products that have no logo or claim, even though some of them are gluten-free.

The study demonstrates the importance of supporting the development of functional nutrition literacy competencies, specifically "Obtaining food" skills, so people living with coeliac disease avoid unnecessary restrictions. Further labeling improvements may also increase the confidence of consumers.

No financial support received.