If you are having someone in your home this Christmas or following a gluten free diet, it is important to not undo all your good work by allowing your gluten free food to be contaminated with food that contains gluten.
Here are some tips to avoid cross contamination in gluten free cooking at Christmas:

Remember, if you are eating out or at someone else’s home, inform them of your dietary needs and ask them to follow these precautions.

Even tiny amounts of gluten may cause people with coeliac disease to have symptoms in the short term, and gut damage long term.
Following simple steps when you’re cooking at home.

• Clean pots and pans with soap and hot water.

• Washing up liquids are fine to use and standard washing up liquid or using a dishwasher will remove gluten.

• Use different butter knives or dishes and jam spoons to prevent breadcrumbs from getting into condiments.

• Buy grains that are certified gluten free to ensure cross contamination didn’t take place during processing in the factory.

• Buy separate jars of condiments or use squeeze bottles; label the containers.

• Use a separate bread board, knife, and butter dish for gluten free breads.

• Use clean oil or a separate fryer for frying gluten free foods.

• Use separate utensils, pots, pans, and baking trays for gluten free cooking, or wash them thoroughly with hot soapy water before use.

• Wipe down surfaces with hot soapy water before preparing gluten free food.

• Store gluten free food in separate containers or on separate shelves in the fridge or pantry.

• Check the labels of ready-made sauces, gravies, stuffing, and other festive foods for gluten ingredients or cross contamination warnings.

* Read the labels of products very carefully. Some foods may contain hidden sources of gluten, such as sauces, soups, dressings, marinades, and seasonings. Look for the gluten-free symbol or certification on the packaging and also check the ingredients list for any gluten-containing grains or additives. If you are not sure of an item it is best to avoid the product altogether, or double check with your invited guest.