The Coeliac Association Malta (CAM), together with the Board of the Association of European Coeliac Societies, is organising its second A.O.E.C.S. Conference in Malta. This will also coincide with the 20th Anniversary since the founding of the Coeliac Association Malta in 1989.

This three-day conference has attracted many representatives coming from European Countries, Eastern European Countries as well as from various parts of Russia., Iran. Greece and Cyprus.

The focus of the first day of the Conference is an EU FP7 funded Coeliac Disease Medics project being held in conjunction with the AOECS Annual General Assembly. This is a Medical Training Seminar, the theme of which is COELIAC DISEASE - A HOLISTIC APPROACH. Health Care Professionals have the opportunity to participate in this CME training seminar on Coeliac Disease, covering various topics including epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis and psychosocial aspects.

The various speakers, all experts in their field, are:

Professor Duzanka Micetic-Turk, Slovenia – Epidemiology of CD

Dr. Ilma Korponay Szabo, Hungary - Pathogenesis of CD

Dr. Olof Sandstrom, Sweden - Multifactorial Aetiology of CD

Dr. Federeico Biagi, Italy - Familial Nature of CD

Professor Ricardo Troncone, Italy - Diagnostic Criteria of CD

Dr. James Dalrymple, UK - Family Practice and CD

Ms. Florence van Klinken, Netherlands - Compliance and Patient Training

Dr. Josianne Scerri, Malta - Psychosocial Aspects,

During the two-day General Assembly, apart from general matters, two very interesting presentations will also be given by Professor Diana Banati (Hungary) from the European Food Safety Authority EFSA and the Central Food Research Institute as well as from Luud Gilissen (Netherlands) from Allergy Research Plant Research International.

Representatives of gluten free manufacturing companies will be exhibiting their products. This to give the conference delegates an idea of what is new on the market as well as to inform the local food industry about the many products available in Malta that can be used in the preparation of interesting and varied gluten free menus.

The Gluten Free Food Exhibition will be open to members of the Food and Catering Industry on Friday and Saturday between 11.30am and noon and on Saturday between 3.30pm - 4.45p.m. Saturday is strictly for members of the Association - membership cards must be shown at the door.