Prescribing gluten-free foods in general practice

The Department of Health and Social Care has recently published their consultation outcome regarding the availability of gluten-free foods (GFF) on NHS prescriptions.1 Following an unprecedented number of responses from patients, healthcare professionals, and professional bodies, the Government has decided to continue to provide GFF on prescription but restrict the products available to breads and mixes. This favoured option by the majority of consultation responders has now proceeded to formal ratification, through an amendment to the NHS Regulations 2004, Schedule 1. In this editorial, we discuss the controversies that have existed regarding prescription of GFF in coeliac disease where the gluten-free diet is the treatment, and discuss the future implications that this decision may have on both patients and the NHS.