France's Health Authority Issues New Celiac Disease Diagnostic Guidelines

On 28 July 2026 the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) published updated recommendations aimed at improving the detection of celiac disease, a chronic autoimmune condition that remains widely under‑diagnosed. The guidance introduces separate decision trees for adults and children, stresses that the first‑line test should be serum IgA‑tissue transglutaminase antibodies, and warns against initiating a gluten‑free diet before a confirmed diagnosis by a gastro‑enterologist or gastro‑pediatrician.

HAS hopes the measures will shorten diagnostic delays and prevent severe complications such as osteoporosis, malnutrition, growth retardation in children, and intestinal lymphomas.

The recommendations are intended for all health professionals involved in gastro‑intestinal care across France.