As a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the gluten-free community, we write this petition to address a pressing concern affecting millions within our communities. The prevalence of gluten-related disorders has prompted an increasing number of individuals to adopt gluten-free diets, whether by medical necessity or personal choice. It is crucial to ensure that when gluten-free options are provided on menus, they are genuinely free from gluten to safeguard the health and well-being of the individuals who require it.

Across various food service sectors, including restaurants, schools, even hospitals, there exists a concerning trend where individuals consuming purportedly gluten-free meals experience adverse health effects due to inadvertent gluten exposure. A staggering 78% of gluten-free consumers express a palpable fear of dining out, as revealed in a recent GIG community survey of 2352 gluten-free consumers conducted in December 2022. This fear stems from the pervasive uncertainty surrounding the safety and reliability of gluten-free options offered by food service establishments. This apprehension not only affects individuals' dining experiences but also limits their social engagement and, more importantly, their access to necessary nourishment outside their homes.

This unacceptable reality results from a lack of comprehensive understanding, proper education, and adherence to stringent food preparation and service standards.

It is imperative to highlight the following points:

1. Medical Necessity: For a substantial portion of the population, consuming gluten poses severe health risks. With approximately 1% of the population diagnosed with celiac disease and up to 13% experiencing gluten sensitivity, adhering to a gluten-free diet is not a choice but a medical necessity. Inaccurate labeling or preparation errors can have debilitating consequences for these individual.

2. Misleading Messaging: The term "gluten-friendly" or similar ambiguous descriptors often mislead consumers into presuming a level of safety that may not exist. Such terms lack clarity and reliability, potentially exposing vulnerable individuals to the risks associated with gluten ingestion.

3. Equivalence to Food Manufacturers' Standards: Food service establishments must be held to the same rigorous standards as food manufacturers when it comes to providing gluten-free options. Stricter protocols, comprehensive staff training, and stringent monitoring mechanisms should be implemented to ensure compliance and safety.

4. Education and Accountability: Adequate education and ongoing training for culinary staff, alongside transparent accountability measures, are imperative. Continuous reinforcement of the importance of adhering to gluten-free guidelines is crucial to preventing cross-contamination and ensuring the safety of prepared meals.

We firmly believe that all individuals who require a gluten-free diet deserve access to safe and genuinely gluten-free food when dining out or receiving meals in institutional settings. Therefore, we urge the food service industry to take immediate action to rectify these critical issues by:

• Educating themselves on the need for gluten-free and what that truly means

• Eliminating misleading terminology and embracing accurate labeling to instill confidence in consumers.

• Providing comprehensive training to all staff involved in food preparation and service to ensure strict adherence to gluten-free guidelines.

• Implementing robust protocols and procedures to guarantee the preparation and service of gluten-free meals.

• Instituting transparent monitoring and accountability measures to uphold these standards consistently.

This isn't just an issue for those with celiac disease or non-celiac wheat sensitivity; it's an issue for everyone who values safe dining experiences. Let us raise our voices together for a safer dining environment for all people living with dietary restrictions related to gluten.

We stand ready to collaborate with and support food service establishments in implementing these changes to ensure the well-being of all individuals living gluten-free. It is our collective responsibility to foster an environment where safe and accessible gluten-free options are the norm rather than the exception.