celiac options?

[gravy]

My girlfriend is gluten intolerant so I guess the questions are how prevalent is celiacs disease in France or rather gluten intolerance?

Are there readily available options to avoid wheat in meals ie. when eating out or in supermarkets?

Thanks!

[Bevdeforges]

This is just a general impression, but I've found that the French aren't terribly sympathetic toward anything considered an "allergy." That's starting to change, but change comes slowly to France.

A German friend of mine has one of her sons on a wheat-free diet (whether or not he is actually allergic to wheat/gluten or anything else is uncertain). At school, in order to bring his own lunch to eat in the cantine, they require a doctor's note regarding his need for a special diet. Otherwise, eating the "French food" on offer is considered part of the education process.

There is an association in France for those with celiac disease www.afdiag.org - Le site sans gluten ! You might be able to get more information there.
Cheers,
Bev

[jojo]

i'm a coeliac and altho I live in Spain, I find that the less processed food products over here make it easier and I suspect France would be the same. When I eat out I just avoid bread, crispy coatings and sauces {which maybe made with flour}. Also the big supermarket "Carrefour" which are everywhere in Spain and France have a vast range of gluten free foods if you choose that route, altho I've yet to find any gluten free stuff that I like so I just eat natural stuff!

Jo xxx

[gravy]

Thank you both!

I had been hearing/reading that the french were not that receptive to anything called an "allergy". Generally speaking for us we avoid the processed meals/foods and when eating out she is usually able to find something that is wheat free. When we've gone to eat out often the trick for us on this side has been finding out from servers if something has wheat in it and the possible gravity of the consequences and less that there is something that she can eat on the menu.

[jojo]

It seems to me that the Spanish (dont know about the french, but probably the same) simply arent as aware of this condition and therefore dont take it seriously! I have had trouble in restaurants trying to convey to them that I WILL be very ill if I have wheat, but I've still had chicken coated in breadcrumbs brought to the table and the waiter just shrugs! However, I am aware that its my responsibility to avoid gluten. So I have to be aware of my choices. It can be a real nuisance as I'm sure your girlfriend will agree and Its embarrassing!

Jo xx