International Coeliac 2010 Fair in Finland

The Finnish Coeliac Society will host the International Coeliac Fair in Tampere on 11-12, June 2010. In conjunction with this event, Helsinki University will hold the Second International Symposium on Gluten-Free Cereal Products and Beverages on 8-11 June 2010. The inaugural Symposium was held in Cork, Ireland, in 2007.

Day one of the Fair will feature lectures in English on topics such as the latest research into coeliac disease, benefits of using oats in the gluten-free diet, the safety of wheat starch, company presentations, and a first hand account of living with coeliac disease in Finland from a consumer with the condition. Speakers included on the program are Professor Markku Mäki from Tampere University, Professor Hannu Salovaara from University Helsinki and Sanna Arnala, Nutrition Specialist from the Finnish Coeliac Society.

The conference organisers describe Finland as 'a paradise for coeliacs' due to the range of gluten free foods that are widely available. Examples include gluten-free hamburgers served at McDonald's and other fast food restaurants, gluten-free pizza and pasta in many restaurants, and clearly identified gluten-free options on most menus. Every supermarket sells gluten free products, and many also sell freshly baked gluten-free bread and pastries.

More information about the Coeliac2010 Fair, visit www.keliakialiitto.fi/liitto/in_english/coeliac_fair2010. Further details regarding the symposium can be found at www.helsinki.fi/gf10/