Yesterday, I made a post talking about a family friend that told me about advice they received from their dietician. The advice they received was that McDonald’s fries and a bunless burger was a gluten free meal.

A parent posted that their child consumes this meal often and has no reaction. The child’s repeat blood tests and endoscopies are clear, so there is no harm.

Couple of thoughts…..

1. McDonald’s French Fries in the US are not gluten free. Wheat is listed as an ingredient. https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/small-french-fries.html
2. McDonald’s French Fries outside the US may or may not be gluten free. Please consult McDonald’s allergen information in your country.
3. Reactions do not indicate exposure. The Doggie Bag Study indicates that most people are exposed to gluten often but don’t often experience symptoms. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7103503/
4. A study from 2022 shows that five people properly diagnosed with celiac disease – positive blood tests and positive biopsy report, returned without issue to a gluten containing diet. Study link-> https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9489428/

As celiac patients, we are constantly exposed to gluten. Our goal is to minimize our exposure to the very best of our abilities. Eating foods as close to nature as possible minimizes the risk of exposure. The further away from natural foods, the higher the risk of gluten contamination.

At the same time, purposefully consuming gluten goes against everything I know to be true about celiac disease. Reactions or not and proof your disease is in remission (blood tests and biopsy), I cannot recommend, give permission, or endorse a celiac patient knowingly consuming gluten.

With that being said, I will not allow a celiac or NCGS patient to advocate knowingly consume gluten.

At this point, I’ve provided accurate and supported information. Whether this parent continues to allow their child to knowingly consume gluten or not is beyond my control.