AIC’s practical tips for a safe and tasty gluten-free summer across Italy and beyond
Eating out on holiday: pleasure and safety for those with celiac disease
A dinner by the sea, a refreshing gelato, a breakfast in the mountains or a sunset aperitivo: summer is the perfect season to enjoy food and friends. But for people with celiac disease, eating out can be a source of concern. That’s why AIC – Italian Celiac Association created the “Alimentazione Fuori Casa” (AFC) program to help celiacs enjoy their vacation without worries.
More than 4,000 certified gluten-free venues across Italy
Thanks to AIC’s training, over 4,000 restaurants, hotels, pizzerias, ice cream shops, and motorway, airport, or railway food points offer safe gluten-free meals. These places are marked with a clear AFC sticker. The list is available through:
- celiachia.it website
- AIC Mobile App, available in a special ‘Welcome’ version for short-term foreign visitors
- The printed AFC Guide
A powerful app to navigate gluten-free life
AIC Mobile is the perfect digital tool for celiacs. With this app, you can:
- Explore the map of AFC venues
- Find stores selling gluten-free products
- Access the Food List (Prontuario), with barcode scanning to verify items
- Shop gluten-free online
- Learn from the “ABC of celiac diet” and the traffic-light list of safe, risky, and forbidden foods
Everything is regularly updated for maximum food safety and peace of mind.
What if a venue isn’t part of the AFC program?
Don’t panic. You can still eat out – just make sure to inform the staff about celiac disease and explain which ingredients must be avoided. When in doubt, it’s best to skip the meal. AIC also offers free training for food professionals interested in joining the AFC network.
Traveling abroad? AOECS helps you
AIC is part of:
These platforms provide translated phrases, certified venues abroad, and advice for safe gluten-free shopping and dining when traveling in Europe.
Watch the official video: gluten-free holidays made simple
Need a visual guide? On its YouTube channel, AIC published a short video by its team of dietitians to offer practical tips on organizing gluten-free holidays in Italy or abroad. It already reached over 226,000 views!
🎥 Watch here: Gluten-Free Vacation Tips by AIC
FAQ
1. What is AIC’s AFC program?
It’s a certification and training initiative for venues offering gluten-free food safely.
2. How do I find certified venues?
Check celiachia.it, the AIC Mobile app, or the printed AFC guide.
3. Is the app free?
Most features are free. The “Welcome” version for foreign visitors is a paid service.
4. Can I trust non-AFC venues?
Only if the staff is well-informed. When in doubt, avoid the meal.
5. Where can I find the official gluten-free food list?
In the AIC Mobile app, with a barcode scanner included.
6. Does AIC train restaurants and hotels?
Yes, for free, with simple procedures.
7. What should I do when traveling abroad?
Use AOECS and CYE to find venues and phrases in your destination’s language.
8. Are there gluten-free options in airports and stations?
Yes, many food points in these areas are part of the AFC network.
9. Can I use the AIC app offline?
Some features work offline, but updates require an internet connection.
10. What do AIC dietitians recommend for vacation?
Plan ahead, use the app, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about food safety.
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