The University of Leicester has gained a ‘no gluten-containing ingredients’ (NGCI) accreditation from Coeliac UK, making it the first university in the UK to receive recognition for its commitment to providing gluten-free meals for its customers.
It means that food and drink outlets at the university (Library Cafe, pictured) can use the NGCI logo on its products and menus to offer a guarantee to customers with coeliac disease that an item contains no gluten and was not exposed to any cross-contamination.
Clive Williams, Food and Beverage Manager, said, ‘I am thrilled that Leicester is the first university in the UK to receive accreditation from Coeliac UK. It means a lot to us to see our hard work recognised by this award, but more importantly, it shows our coeliac students and staff, and other people who require gluten-free products, that we care about their health and cater for their needs. We are committed to providing for people with specific dietary requirements, and are already looking to work with other organisations to further develop our offer.’
RACS provides a gluten free range of sandwiches, soups, salads, cakes, biscuits and snacks in delic!ous, its shop on the ground floor of Charles Wilson Building. Further gluten-free options are also available next door to delic!ous in Café Piazza, the University’s 100% vegetarian café. Coeliac students living in catered accommodation can also now enjoy a gluten-free diet by speaking to RACS about their needs.
RACS also provides options for students and staff with other specific dietary requirements, such as dairy-free products, and the next step is to continue to work with the University’s Dietary Requirement Society as well as external organisations, to expand its range.