In early 2003, an ad hoc group of 15 leaders in the celiac community came together to help persuade Congress to require food labels to include information about allergens.      

A year later, in June 2004, the National Institutes of Health convened a consensus panel on celiac disease.  The expert panel noted the lack of a national federation working together to advance education, research and to advocate on behalf of individuals with the disease.  Several speakers  highlighted the work of the American Celiac Task Force (the predecessor to the ACDA) which was spearheading a grassroots effort to improve the nation's food labeling laws.  

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act was signed into  law on August 3, 2004, easing much of the guesswork in food shopping for those with celiac disease and  food allergies.  The unified voice of the community had been heard. 

With this achievement, the Task Force realized the need for a permanent advocacy organization and elected to become the American Celiac Disease Alliance (ACDA).  The 501(c)(3) non-profit represents and advocates on behalf of the entire celiac community -- patients, physicians, researchers, and food manufacturers, and other service providers.