A North Yorkshire fish and chip shop has achieved GF (gluten-free) accreditation from Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpitiformus.

Scotts Fish and Chips, located  on the A64 at Bilborough, near York - and its sister outlet, Scotts of Helmsley - have been working with Coeliac UK to achieve GF accreditation and have launched a great menu for people with coeliac disease, so they can enjoy fish and chips like everyone else.

The two Scotts venues have now joined a small but growing number of fish and chip shops who have gained GF accreditation from the charity nationwide.

Research conducted by Coeliac UK has shown that fish and chips is one of the things that people diagnosed with coeliac disease miss most.

The move by the team at Scotts, which sees them serving the gluten-free dishes seven days a week, has resulted in an army of regular customers travelling to both venues on a regular basis, with one customer with coeliac disease making a monthly journey from Nottingham.

The official accreditation by Coeliac UK means that Scotts have demonstrated they have all the procedures required in the kitchen to serve safe, gluten-free food.   Serving staff are trained to keep the gluten-free food separate and handled differently to the regular fare, ensuring those on gluten-free diets will know that their own specific needs are taken into account.

Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune disease caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Some people are also sensitive to oats. Those with the condition have to follow a gluten-free diet for life.

Symptoms include (but not exclusive): bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, tiredness, sudden weight loss, hair loss and anaemia.

Scotts owner Tony Webster said: "Achieving Coeliac UK’s GF Accreditation for our gluten-free fish and chips is wonderful news for both venues and is a fantastic way to round off the year.

"We have worked hard to ensure we have good controls in place to avoid cross contamination and ensure we are serving safe gluten-free options.”

"This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to making sure that everyone who visits us can enjoy fish and chips made to the highest standard, whatever their individual dietary needs.

"We are very proud of our gluten-free fish and chips, and go to great lengths to ensure the ingredients and utensils never get mixed up. The fish is cooked in a separate fryer and is served with gluten-free bread and butter.

Mr Webster added: "When we started offering gluten-free menu options, we had no idea how popular they would become. We have regulars who make lengthy journeys to both venues just for our gluten-free fare.  

"We’ve seen a yearly increase in sales of these specially made dishes, and we are confident this will only increase now we have this official endorsement.

"Those with coeliac disease can visit us with confidence, which is so important, as even the smallest trace of gluten can cause severe adverse reactions for many people with the condition.

"In addition to the fish and chips, we have included a full range of gluten-free desserts, condiments and even a range of gluten-free drinks.”

For more information on coeliac disease please visit: www.coeliac.org.uk  

Further information about Scotts is available from its website: http://scottsfishandchips.co.uk/