Manatee Memorial Hospital Achieves National Validation as a Gluten-Free Food Service Facility

Manatee Memorial Hospital announces it has achieved validation as a Gluten-Free Food Service program. The hospital's Food and Nutrition Services team met the rigorous standards and expectations for safety required to achieve this honor. Validation as a Gluten-Free Safe Spot establishes trust with gluten-free patrons in the ability of a facility to provide safe, gluten-free food.

The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) audits and validates restaurants and food businesses that serve gluten-free food. The Gluten-Free Food Service validation program is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a nonprofit organization that has been serving the needs of the gluten-free community for over 45 years. GIG is on a mission to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free and Manatee Memorial is proud to be a part of this program.

"At Manatee Memorial Hospital, we recognize that proper nutrition is an essential part of healing and overall well-being. Receiving this designation reflects our commitment to providing safe dining options for patients, visitors and team members who rely on gluten-free foods for medical, dietary or personal reasons," says Colin Weaver, Interim Chief Executive Officer for Manatee Memorial Hospital. "In a healthcare setting, trust matters, and this recognition reinforces our dedication to ensuring that every individual who walks through our doors can feel confident that their nutritional needs are understood, respected and met with the highest standards of care."

Since the program was established in 2009, GFFS has always held its food service establishments to the highest standards. Consumers recognize locations that have been validated as Gluten-Free Safe Spots serve gluten-free food that meets the nonprofit GFFS's rigorous standards and expectations for safety. GFFS validates participating establishments, from restaurants to college dining, senior living, hospitals and more, by visiting locations in-person to ensure they follow best practices for gluten-free food safety and ensure high-quality staff training.

Facts About the Demand for Gluten-Free Options

The demand for gluten-free options has surged in recent years, due in part to increased awareness and diagnosis of gluten-related disorders:

• Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the global population, causing an autoimmune reaction to gluten ingestion
• Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) impacts up to 13% of the population

"It's very exciting to award gluten-free validation to Manatee Memorial Hospital. The commitment shown by their Food and Nutrition Services team to achieve our certification reflects their dedication to catering to individuals with gluten-related disorders. This certification not only recognizes their efforts but also highlights the commitment to ensuring safe gluten-free food at a time/place when the gluten-free individuals need it the most," said Cynthia Kelly, CEO of the Gluten Intolerance Group.

About the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association funded by private donations, sponsorship opportunities and food safety programs. It relies on tax-deductible contributions to support its many innovative industry, service, social and awareness programs. GIG has been a highly respected leader in the gluten-free community since it was founded in 1974. In addition to more than 80 local support groups across the United States, GIG has increased its presence internationally to 58 countries. GIG empowers the gluten-free community through consumer support, advocacy and education. The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program is a proven model of established best practices for food service facilities offering gluten-free options. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of GIG, is a leader in the verification of quality, integrity and purity of gluten-free products. GIG is committed to ongoing food safety research to assure customers and consumers the highest level of excellence in its gluten-free programs and services.