Our open letter to the BBC

September 28, 2021

Read our open letter to the BBC about gluten cross contamination and their portrayal of coeliac disease on food programmes.

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition – and the gluten free diet is a strict treatment for life, not a fad or choice with the luxury to have cheat days. Even a tiny amount of gluten can make someone feel really ill and not sticking to a strict diet can lead to health complications.

To set the record straight on these very important facts, we have written an open letter to the BBC. We want an apology for the way coeliac disease was presented on a recent programme, and for a policy review to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. We think they should be more mindful of the messages portrayed on their shows. If you agree, share our open letter on social media and help us raise awareness.

Read our open letter now

Update

The BBC have responded to complaints about Saturday Kitchen with an acknowledgement, but we have not received a direct response to our letter and a full apology has not been issued. Rest assured we’ll be back in touch with them. We’re always monitoring media coverage of coeliac disease and the gluten free diet and will continue advocating for our community.