Welcome to this week’s edition of The Celiac Scientist. Today, I’m exploring a topic that hits close to home for many of us: the struggle to find safe and delicious dining options when living with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Recently, a young student paramedic named Chloe Radzikowski took a stand against a familiar giant in the fast-food world: McDonald's. Chloe, who herself has a gluten intolerance, found herself "shocked and angry" when she realised that McDonald's UK branches offered fewer gluten-free options compared to their European counterparts. Can you imagine packing half a suitcase of food just to ensure you have something safe to eat while on vacation? That's the reality for many of us living with dietary restrictions. To be honest, I don’t go to those extremes, but I do carry a few staple items as a backup. Though, I am quite successful in finding gluten-free food to eat out. But what if I did fancy a burger and fries? I don’t think I’ve ever eaten in a fast food restaurant since being diagnosed as a Celiac.
Yes!! American McDonalds have exactly ZERO GF options- not the fries, not a bun less burger, not a packaged snack. Nothing. It is ridiculous.