Domino's Add Gluten Free Pizza To Their Menu

Domino’s recently announced that they have now added Gluten free pizzas to their menu in stores across the US.  The crust is made from rice starch, rice flour, potato starch, olive oil and water.  Oh happy day Right? Wrong!  Domino’s has stated that while the pizza is safe for people with mild gluten sensitivities, like myself, it is not recommended for people with Celiac disease. They have concerns that the crust can become contaminated from being processed in the same facility as products that contain gluten.

Now my question is this, is it wise or fair to say that this is gluten free Pizza? If you are using the same tools to dip the gluten-free flour as you are using to dip regular wheat flour, mixing the dough on the same board with wheat flour, how can you call it gluten free? I liken it onto making a batch of peanut brittle, then making a dish in the same pot, roll it on the same board and cut it with the same knife you used to make the peanut brittle – without washing. That would be instant Anaphylaxis for someone with a peanut allergy. We definitely won’t call that peanut free.

Domino’s worked with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness to verify the GF-friendliness of product and train its staffers on issues related to gluten and those with sensitivities. The company’s efforts earned it an NFCA Amber Kitchen Designation, a standard developed by the Ambler-based foundation to help consumers identify restaurants that have taken steps to accommodate gluten-free eaters. The rating means ingredients are verified gluten-free and restaurant staff has been trained to understand issues of gluten sensitivity. But the NFCA website states: “Kitchen practices may vary with this designation … meaning those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity should ask questions and exercise judgment when dining at an establishment with an Amber Designation.”

I think it’s a good thing that Domino's has tried to accommodate those of us who cannot tolerate gluten. I commend them for trying. If you’re the pizza eating sort and mildly gluten sensitive, then this is a good thing for you.  My one advice… when eating out anywhere, eat at your own risk.

View the video below to hear what Domino’s has to say about their new gluten free pizzas.