The national campaign runs from 12th to 18th May 2008. It aims to raise awareness and understanding of a gluten-free diet amongst chefs and caterers in hospitals, schools, restaurants, cafes, hotels and airlines.

Coeliac disease is not an allergy, it is an auto-immune 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.

Coeliac disease is just one of the medical diets that Nottingham City Catering can cater for in Primary and Secondary Schools. If a parent has a child that needs to follow a medical, religious or vegetarian diet they can book a suitable meal by contacting us on 915 2096

As part of the awareness week Nottingham City Catering has supplied a Gluten-free recipe on its school meals website www.myschoollunch/nottingham and provided advice for Primary School children in Cyril`s club on supporting friends who have to eat a medical diet. It is also encouraging its catering staff to enter a national competition to create a gluten-free starter, main course or dessert to be judged by Giorgio Locatelli.

Liz Dobson, Head of Service, Nottingham City Catering and Facilities said: "We believe it is important to provide healthy and balanced meals for everyone, regardless of any special dietary needs. We already cater for many children with special diets across the city and aim to meet the dietary needs of all our customers."

For more information please contact Jacquie Blake, Operations Manager, Nottingham City Council on 9152096.

Info

• Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. 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, some sausages, sauces, stock cubes, gravy granules and mayonnaise.
• Although it is estimated that 1 in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, only 1 in 8 are diagnosed.
• The symptoms of coeliac disease vary from one person to another and can include diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, tiredness, lethargy, breathlessness and weight loss (although not in all cases). Other symptoms include anaemia, mouth ulcers, joint and bone pain, migraines, recurrent miscarriages or nerve problems.
• Children with coaliac disease may exhibit irritability, behavioural, learning or concentration problems, bloated abdomen or stunted growth.
• For more information on the "Food without Fear" campaign please go www.coeliac.org.uk or phone the helpline on 0870 444 8804.