Ep 203 Catch Up with the Canadian Celiac Association

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

On this episode I speak with Melissa Secord, Executive Director of the Canadian Celiac Association to bring us up to date on recent relevant news items.  We look more into how the CCA worked with the Ontario government to inform the Ministry of Health about the advantages of covering the cost of the celiac blood panel for the purpose of diagnosis, and the pilot program that has come from those efforts.  Recently, a story about a celiac woman held in travel quarantine made the national news as she was denied a gluten free meal for 40 hours.  The CCA got involved to help the woman and bring more awareness of this unacceptable situation.  Melissa and I also talked about the labelling of “natural” products, including supplements, and natural treatments.  Until now, these products did not require labelling that would identify sources of gluten and recently, the CCA has been working with Health Canada to change the regulations.  You can find out more at www.celiac.ca/news-events/news/.

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

Availability of safe food is something that the Canadian Celiac Association has been working on for many years.  This effort takes many forms.  Of late, the Save Me For Gluten Free campaign is working to establish local partnerships with food banks to ensure donated gluten free foods get to those who need them. 

In years past the CCA has supported efforts from producers of oats to allow them to be labelled gluten free and considered safe for celiacs.  Labelling regulations in Canada have been updated periodically, and the CCA has always been involved in the clarity of labels and identification of gluten sources.

The current issues of availability of safe food for a celiac in a quarantine hotel could not even have been imagined prior to the pandemic.  Years ago, the issue of gluten free food for those in prison who required it, was solved, and to hear that referenced in a recent commentary on the subject as a comparison to a quarantine hotel is troubling.

What seems most concerning about the quarantine situation is that most commercial kitchens, restaurants and food suppliers are aware of gluten free.  Although we research restaurants and avoid ones that can’t provide us a proper meal, it’s still worth noting that a great many restaurants have something, if even a simple salad or plain chicken to offer us.  The idea that a contract for the “securing” of travellers would include food, but not take into account special diet requirements, is very much out of line with current awareness of the gluten free diet.

It’s curious to me as to why food cannot be brought in from local restaurants to meet special needs.  Most of us are aware of the options in metropolitan areas to order in safe gluten free food.  We know more specifics than those working in food service.  As well, not allowing food to be brought in from friends of family just makes the policies more extreme.  Clearly, the quarantine policies were not as well thought out as any other event that serves food.

As an individual, there isn’t much I can do to voice my concerns, but with the support of the CCA, I can be part of a letter writing campaign to make a real difference.  Thanks again CCA.