Last updated 09:12, Saturday, 03 May 2008

A NEW guide to eating out in Cumbria is being written – for those worried about eating out in Cumbria.

The idea is to highlight the problem faced by many people who are gluten intolerant.

Going out for a meal could be dangerous for those with coeliac disease, due to the misconceptions surrounding gluten intolerance and ignorance about what ‘gluten free’ actually means.

The West Cumbria Coeliac Group is calling on local restaurants to offer gluten-free dishes on their menus to support Coeliac UK’s ‘Food Without Fear’ campaign this May.

Jean Foster, Group Organiser, said: “There are many people living in West Cumbria with Coeliac Disease for whom enjoying a meal out is simply not an option.

“We encourage all local restaurants to offer gluten-free dishes on their menus; not only will they be doing a great service to the community, I think they may be surprised by the positive impact it will have on their business and turnover.

“Until now, the only way of knowing about a restaurant offering gluten-free food is if someone tells another.

“We will write a guide of those restaurants and it will also be available to download.”

Coeliac Disease is not an allergy, it is an autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten, which causes inflammation in the lining of the small intestine. There is no cure or medication for the disease and the only treatment is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Without a gluten-free diet, the disease can lead to other conditions such as osteoporosis, infertility or bowel cancer.

If someone with coeliac disease accidentally eats gluten, they are likely to be unwell within a few hours; the symptoms can often be very aggressive and can include severe diarrhoea and vomiting which can last several days.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat (including spelt), rye and barley. Some people are also sensitive to oats. The most obvious sources are breads, pasta, flours, cereals, cakes, biscuits, and beer; however, it can also be found in a wide range of products, including soy sauce, sausages, sauces, stock cubes, gravy granules and mayonnaise.

The 320-strong west Cumbria Group is holding a special fundraising meeting to mark Coeliac Awareness Week which runs from May 12-18.

The event, which will feature stalls of gluten free manufacturers, competitions, a prize draw and a tombola, will take place on May 17 at The Oval Centre, Salterbeck, Workington between 11am - 1pm.

For further information, contact: Jean Foster, 01900 810440 or Email: westcumbria@coeliac.co.uk