Spanish tapas chain La Tasca launches gluten-free menu accredited by charity Coeliac UK

Spanish tapas bar and restaurant chain La Tasca has launched a new gluten-free menu accredited by Coeliac disease charity, Coeliac UK.

Offering 34 gluten-free dishes, the brand is just one of only 11 organisations to receive such accreditation.

Gluten-free bread is now available with tapas dishes across all La Tasca sites, alongside a new gluten-free batter and a dessert menu featuring five gluten-free choices.

Coeliac UK is a charity increasing awareness of coeliac disease. Offering support to people affected, it also campaigns to improve the quality and accessibility of gluten-free foods, both at home and when eating out.

The gluten-free accreditation scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, seeks to highlight excellence in gluten-free catering outside the home.

Simon Wilkinson, chief executive of La Tasca Restaurants, said that the company was "thrilled" to receive full gluten-free accreditation from the charity. "We understand that many people with this condition struggle with where to eat out and we believe that it's important for establishments such as La Tasca to cater for their diet," he said. "The Coeliac UK accreditation scheme addresses the lack of consumer confidence surrounding gluten-free food and we are sure we will see a positive impact on our business."

With an extensive menu offering paella, tapas and classic drinks such as sangria, La Tasca aims to source as many ingredients as possible from Spanish suppliers, and also offers several vegetarian options.

Not the same as an allergy or intolerance, coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley products, such as bread and pasta. Any food product with added flour, such as thickened sauces or syrups, could also adversely affect a coeliac sufferer.

More and more restaurants, such as PizzaExpress, are now introducing gluten-free menus in response to the fact that one in 100 people in the UK are now estimated to have coeliac disease.

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