Coeliac disease awareness training to be mandatory for all catering industries

Government must require all staff working in a catering service to be provided with basic coeliac disease awareness training, to ensure a set standard of understanding & awareness around the importance of meal preparation & food serving to a person with Coeliac disease including cross-contamination.

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, triggers an immune response that can significantly damage the small intestines. I have come across many food industries, who offer gluten free options however, are unaware the importance to prepare this separately to avoid cross-contamination. Coeliac is not an allergy but is chronic disorder and should be taken as seriously as any allergy.

The Government believes that the existing regulatory framework, supported by guidance, training resources and local authority enforcement, provides proportionate and effective protection for people with coeliac disease, and has no plans currently to introduce mandatory coeliac disease awareness training for all catering staff.

The Government recognises the seriousness of coeliac disease and the importance of ensuring food is prepared and served safely for people who must avoid gluten. Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, and even small amounts of gluten can cause harm, including through cross contamination during food preparation.

Under UK law, food business operators must ensure that staff training is appropriate to the type of food handled, including high-risk foods such as those containing allergens or gluten. Food handlers must be supervised, instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activities, in line with the Food Safety Act 1990 and Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 852/2004. Businesses must also comply with the Food Information Regulations 2014, which cover the provision of allergen information to consumers.

While there is no standalone legal requirement for allergen specific or coeliac specific training, food businesses are required to have effective allergen management systems in place, including means to understand and control the risks of cross contamination. The responsibility for ensuring appropriate training sits with the food business operator, and local authorities assess its adequacy during inspections to ensure compliance with allergen management requirements. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing food safety and allergen legislation and are supported by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland through the Food Law Code of Practice, guidance, and enforcement tools.