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What is cross-contamination?

If you are following a gluten free diet, it’s important to not undo all your good work by allowing your gluten free food to be contaminated with food that contains gluten.

Simple steps to avoid cross-contamination at home

  • Standard washing up liquid or using a dishwasher will remove gluten
  • Wipe down surfaces and clean pots, pans and cooking utensils with hot soapy water
  • You do not need to use separate cloths or sponges
  • Use clean oil or a separate fryer for frying gluten free foods
  • Have separate condiments to avoid breadcrumbs, or at least use clean cutlery for shared butters, jams and spreads
  • You may want to get separate bread boards to keep gluten free and gluten containing breads separate
  • Use toaster bags or consider a separate toaster for your gluten free bread products

Cross-contamination: What is it and why is it important on a gluten free diet?

We understand that eating out or preparing food at home can be tricky when you are following a gluten free diet. In this video Lorna, one of our Coeliac UK dietitians, speaks about cross-contamination, what it is, and why it is important on a gluten free diet. The video also provides some simple steps to avoid cross-contamination, helping you dine-in or dine-out with confidence.

New to the gluten free diet?

Coeliac UK has been the expert on the gluten free diet for over 50 years and we understand that gluten free living can be challenging. We are here to help, and we have the tools to support you.

Find out more about our resources for living well on a gluten free diet. From food labelling, keeping healthy, food safety standards and what happens if you accidently eat gluten.