Research: Restaurants May be Serving ‘Hidden’ Gluten to Coeliac Customers

09 Apr 2015 --- Consumers are not aware that chips are not necessarily gluten-free, according to research commissioned by Aviko, and food service operators may not be flagging this up on their menus.

Chips are one of the top choices for coeliac sufferers, when they eat out, because potatoes don’t contain gluten. However, chips produced in some establishments may not be gluten-free, according to the latest reports.

Mohammed Essa, general manager at Aviko, said: “With the recent allergen legislation coming into effect it’s never been more important for operators to be fully aware of what’s on their menus. 
“Though potatoes themselves do not contain gluten, how and where they are prepared means that operators could be unintentionally serving gluten to customers, which can mean serious side effects for those with an intolerance.”

Recent research also revealed that 73% of people don’t feel pubs, hotels, cafes and restaurants do enough to cater for gluten intolerances. 

The research, again commissioned by Aviko, showed 59% would like to see more coeliac friendly choices available.