Family 411: Gluten Free Certification

Certification as a gluten-free hospital
Kaitlyn Anaya, RD, LD
Clinical Nutritionist, Northern Nevada Medical Center

Gluten restrictions are implemented for medical reasons, including celiac disease and gluten intolerance. For patients, even small amounts or cross-contamination of gluten can cause serious health problems. Northern Nevada Medical Center (NNMC) and Sierra Medical Center (SMC) have received certification as a gluten-free safe facility, making them the only two hospitals in Northern Nevada to achieve this designation.

What does it mean to be a gluten-free certified hospital?

The clinical nutrition staff at NNMC and SMC developed a special menu to meet the needs of a patient with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease triggered by the consumption of gluten. The menu is ingredient-based, so all foods offered are certified and naturally gluten-free.

Additionally, both teams at NNMC and SMC are trained in methods to create and maintain a gluten-free prep area and utilize cleaning techniques to prevent gluten contamination.

What metrics had to be achieved for a facility to receive this certification?

To achieve this certification, our teams had to meet several criteria, including education about gluten, celiac disease and gluten contamination, implementation of specific cleaning procedures, process development and regular audits of these processes.

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, 98% of people who live gluten-free would feel safer eating at a facility recognized as a gluten-free safe place. So being validated as a gluten-free safe place creates trust among gluten-free patients.

Why is this certification important for patients with gluten intolerances or restrictions?

Patients with celiac disease need to be confident that the food they eat will not trigger an autoimmune reaction that can damage their intestinal lining or impair their ability to absorb nutrients from food. This certification allows our teams to relieve patients of the burden of worry during their stay in one of our hospitals. Additionally, it gives patients choice in food choices during a hospital stay and helps them maintain a regular diet that is safe and tailored to their nutritional needs.

To learn more about Northern Nevada Health System and our care network, click here.