Celiac Learning Programs are essential in being competitive in the food industry.  Getting a gluten-free training is an eye opener in the new futuristic industry.

According to the New York Times, the volume of gluten-free diet items sold in the past year is up 37% and that the gluten-free business is a $6.3 billion industry. It continues to grow at a rate of 33% since 2009.

With that in mind, it makes sense that food establishments are trying to get a piece of the pie.

Researchers have estimated that about 1% of the population is affected by Celiac disease which is an inherited, autoimmune disorder caused by eating wheat, rye and barley.  It has also been reported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) that 95% of patients remain undiagnosed because of the complications of determining its symptoms. Also, there are a growing number of people that have wheat allergy who need to maintain a gluten-free diet as well.

I would greatly suggest any foodservice establishment that is willing to benefit of this growing industry to get an initial gluten-free training. By getting a gluten-free training you will be able to learn specific protocols for handling gluten-free foods.  Celiac Learning Programs will make you aware in avoid gluten-cross contamination, prepare you to meet the gluten-free demands, help you read labels, increase confidence in handling gluten-free meals.

The only treatment to celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. A gluten-free diet is also very important for people with wheat allergy.

As a parent of a celiac disease son, and a wheat allergy daughter, I could tell you that if there were more restaurant establishments with a gluten-free menu, they will be increasing their profits tremendously.

Restaurant owners, the window of opportunity is open now. Invest in your future, start off by enrolling in a Celiac learning program. There is a $6.3 billion industry and growing.

There are a few programs out there.  A very good Gluten-free foodservice training program you can enroll in is the “Gluten-free Resource Education and Awareness Training” (GREAT). This institution is a non-profit organization partnered with National Foundation for Celiac Awareness www.celiaccentral.org.

GREAT – Gluten-free Resources Awareness Training

GREAT kitchens Course

The value is $200.00 for a 90 minute web-based training with a 6 CE credits approved by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). GREAT Kitchens is an interesting program for chefs, foodservice handlers, and dietitians. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has approved this course for 1.5 CE credits.

This course will teach you safety protocols, understanding celiac disease, understanding a gluten-free diet, avoiding gluten cross-contamination. This webinar is accessible 24/7 and taken at your own convenience. After you have completed your competence exam, you will be given a Certificate of Completion.

For more information about this program visit the GREAT Celiac Learning Center website at www.celiaclearning.com/Great-Kitchens.

In conclusion, it you would like to increase your profits in the growing gluten-free industry, you need to educate yourself and your foodservice personnel with a Celiac learning program.