We finally have the first Croatian manufacturer of certified gluten-free bakery products on the market, marked with the internationally recognized symbol of a crossed ear of wheat, which is the symbol for gluten-free food products. In Croatia, this symbol is promoted by the Croatian Society for Celiac Disease, while at the international level, the European Association of Celiac Societies (AOECS) is responsible for its promotion. AOECS has approved all 14 products of Moje Malo Zlato.
The crossed ear of wheat symbol represents a sign of safety and integrity that is well-known, reliable, and recognized by consumers who suffer from celiac disease, as well as individuals who choose gluten-free products.
Although these products are primarily intended for individuals who need to follow a gluten-free diet for health reasons, an increasing number of people who simply want to improve their overall well-being are opting for a gluten-free diet.
To understand the dynamic growth trends taking place in the gluten-free market, it is important to understand gluten and celiac disease, wheat allergies, gluten intolerance, and gluten sensitivity in the broader population. Unfortunately, the trends also show a significant increase in autoimmune diseases, now scientifically proven to correlate with the industrialization of food production.
The seemingly simple symbol was not easy to obtain, and the path of development for Moje Malo Zlato was quite challenging. Over the past five years, the company has grown and expanded its offerings, bringing gluten-free products to every corner of the country.
“Unlike other gluten-free products on the market, we prepare fresh products daily in our new specialized production facility in the eastern part of Zagreb. Our product range includes savory and sweet fresh and frozen gluten-free items, currently comprising 14 products on the market, but we continue to experiment with innovative recipes,” says Kruno Ivanković.
In order for Moje Malo Zlato to have this valuable label, they had to allow a team from the global inspection, verification, testing, and certification company SGS Adriatica d.o.o. into their facility. They conducted a certification audit and compliance assessment according to the AOECS standard for gluten-free food. Additionally, all products underwent gluten content analysis using the R5-sandwich Elisa (Mendez method) in an authorized laboratory. Detailed testing of all production processes and the origin of raw materials was also conducted in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
Quality recognized in all markets
By certifying, assessing compliance, testing, and examining all 14 of our products according to the highest international standards, Moje Malo Zlato is now proven to be a high-quality and safe product, and I believe it will increase consumer trust. As legal regulations are now met on a global level, our Development Strategies are heading towards the international market,” stated director Ivana Žorž, who gained professional experience, among other things, through numerous international projects. Thus, this certification is the result of applying for funds from the European Regional Development Fund. In fact, this significant project was recognized by the Ministry of Economy, which approved co-financing of the licensing procedure costs from the EU fund in the amount of slightly over 67,000 kuna.The crossed ear of wheat symbol—a guarantee of safety
After months of preparation regarding the licensing of all 14 Moje Malo Zlato products, they can now be found on the shelves of almost all Croatian retail chains in new packaging that displays the crossed ear of wheat symbol and license number. They are also featured on the product’s website, which has been approved by AOECS.
The Crossed Ear of Wheat symbol is registered as a trademark at the European Union and national levels, as well as by many national celiac societies that are members of AOECS. The symbol is a guarantee of quality because the high production standards ensure the safety of the product. Only those who can ensure gluten-free production according to AOECS standards (European Association of Celiac Societies) are eligible to obtain the Crossed Ear of Wheat license.
Products covered by the AOECS Standard are manufactured with special care in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP) to prevent gluten contamination. The Standard for the Crossed Ear of Wheat symbol corresponds to the international standard set by the World Health Organization/Codex Alimentarius of the Food and Agriculture Organization, and is incorporated into European law, specifically European Regulation 41/2009 EC for gluten-free food products. HDC (Croatian Society for Celiac Disease) is a member of AOECS – the European Association of Celiac Societies, and works on licensing the symbol to producers in Croatia on behalf of AOECS.
