Written question asked by Ian Jnr Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 14 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 March 2012. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 March 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Coeliac Disease: Health Education

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department offers to people with coeliac disease on (a) diet management and (b) obtaining gluten free food.

Answer: There is a wide range of gluten free products available from supermarkets, health food stores and on prescription. Information on managing diet and obtaining gluten free foods is available on the NHS Choices website and that of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).The FSA, which has responsibility for food aspects of food allergy and intolerance, works closely with Coeliac UK and health professionals to ensure that patients are provided with the relevant information on food labelling to manage their diet. The FSA has recently collaborated with Coeliac UK to produce a leaflet for consumers to help them understand changes in the way gluten free foods are labelled and advise them on how to buy food which is safe for them to eat. The FSA has also produced a general leaflet on buying food for those with a food allergy or intolerance, including coeliac disease, which guides them through the steps they need to take when buying food and eating out.

Secondary information