Celiac Awareness- Fighting Against the Fad

It seems that there is more awareness of Celiac Disease these days. Along with this awareness, more people are becoming diagnosed. In turn, there are more companies producing gluten free products and many restaurants are willing to be acomodating. All terrific for someone living with Celiac Disease for years, or those new Celiac's with former mystery medical conditions. BUT...there is a dark beast looming in the shadows. 

Over this past week, I have come across two disturbing articles. In one instance, a prominent chef apparently disregarded requests for gluten free meals- knowingly feeding these patrons gluten. He supposedly stated this himself on his facebook account, saying that he thought that the whole gluten free thing was in people's heads. The second article is unfortunately a proven case. This particular gentleman thought he'd make money by selling bread to Celiac's telling them it was gluten free, when it was in fact NOT! He has been tried, and sentenced to a minimum of 9 years and a maximum of 11 years. While I think his sentence is a little excessive (since often rapists, pedophiles, and murderers get lighter sentencing than this), I believe it is the start to better regulation and accountability in the gluten free industry. 

So why would these individuals be so blatantly deceptive?... For one, though there is more awareness out there than ever before about Celiac Disease, it seems that the necessity of the Celiac gluten free diet has been hijacked by those who are following the latest health craze or diet fad. Don't get me wrong, I am not a health nut hater- I think it just has caused some confusion with needing to be gluten free and wanting to be gluten free. In either instance both parties have the right to eat a gluten free diet, and violating that right is wrong. But it seems that living gluten free by choice has begun to gloss over Celiac Disease- thus you have people out there that begin to believe being a Celiac is nonsense, and/or simply wanting to cash in on the latest health craze (since gf food tends to be expensive). Both of these ways of thinking are dangerous to a Celiac. Being that it is an autoimmune condition rather than an allergy, some may also leap to the conclusion that since a Celiac doesn't react immediately to gluten exposure that they must be one of these health nuts- they can charge more for their "gf" product, or simply be lazy and not go the extra mile to avoid gluten...that no harm will come to the individual ingesting gluten. Not eating gluten free does do damage to a Celiac's health!

So what is a Celiac to do?... Continue to speak out. Clarify. Specify. While I think the message is getting out there about eating a gluten free diet, I think it is important to explain to people what being a Celiac is when the opportunity presents itself. I recently informed a curious Dairy Queen employee and a customer who both asked me more about "what is Celiac Disease exactly?". Word of mouth is a powerful tool, so don't discount your mini campaign. It may also be helpful to encourage Celiac Associations become more involved in the community at large- speaking to restaurants and grocers; informing them, offering tips and/or training rather than solely focusing on the Celiac's themselves. Regulatory bodies may also jump on the band wagon of "correct" Celiac awareness too in the wake of the fraudulent bread conviction. But in the meantime, put your own voice to work. Speak out. Lobby for change where needed. Inform one person at a time.  

http://www.foodista.com/blog/2011/03/30/chef-admits-lying-to-gluten-free-diners/ 

http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/04/12/1125084/durham-man-who-sold-fake-gluten.html

Update: April 21st, 2011
Here is an article related to the need to eat gluten free versus that want of eating gluten free. A positive explanation and discussion about the topic. Thought this link would give some balance to the two previous negative ones.