The Gluten Freevolution campaign is a bid to further grow the range of safe gluten-free food when eating outside of the home.

Actress and Coeliac UK patron Caroline Quentin has launched the charity’s Gluten Freevolution as Coeliac UK’s Awareness Week (8-14 May) gets under way.

Coeliac UK, the national charity for people unable to eat gluten, said 1.3 million Britons live on a gluten-free diet.

Quentin said: “I was diagnosed with coeliac disease two years ago and, like everyone else with the condition, when I grab a bite for lunch or go out for a meal with my family, I am putting my health in the hands of those preparing and serving the food each and every time I eat out.”

The Gluten Freevolution aims to highlight the growing demand for improved safety, choice and availability when eating gluten-free on the move, and to encourage private and public sector caterers to provide great gluten-free food that is safe from cross-contamination. 

It will focus on improving the levels of understanding among caterers, as well as increasing the skills and knowledge of both front- and back-of-house staff in preparing and serving gluten-free food.

The charity has also launched new guidance for the catering industry, which is supported by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).