PHILADELPHIA (August 31, 2015) – The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), a national non-profit organization that helps individuals with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders recently recognized the Drexelbrook Catering and Special Events Center for becoming accredited in safe gluten-free food handling policies and procedures. Their gluten-free training was provided through NFCA’s GREAT Kitchens program, an online, multimedia course that teaches foodservice staff how to properly prepare and serve gluten-free meals. Participants learn how to identify gluten-free ingredients, avoid cross-contact and answer gluten-free customers’ questions. Participating restaurants and foodservice operations demonstrating strict adherence to the guidelines receive GREAT accreditation.
An estimated 1% of the population has celiac disease, a serious genetic autoimmune disease, and an estimated 6% of the population has gluten-sensitivity. Both conditions require a strict gluten-free diet. While many restaurants are introducing gluten-free menus to accommodate those who have this special dietary need, gluten-free food is not always prepared with the necessary precautions.
Drexelbrook Catering and Special Events Center
receives award from NFCA’s Director of
Communications and New Media, Claire Baker
Domenick Savino, CEO and General Manager acknowledged that the achievement was a group effort. “The team has worked very hard to earn this status. We have committed to training and awareness in all levels of our team.”
“I am impressed by Drexelbrook’s commitment to serving safe gluten-free options to their guests. They are an inspiration and example for all catering companies everywhere,” noted Beckee Moreland, Director of NFCA’s GREAT Kitchens Program.
Located in Drexel Hill, Drexelbrook Catering & Special Event Center is a full service hospitality company and special event venue that caters all types of events and provides a wide array of foodservice, design and planning needs for weddings, parties and special occasions. In June, Drexelbrook Catering won Best Dish at Philadelphia public TV and radio station WHYY’s Best of the Chefs event with their gluten-free Crab Cakes served over a Summer Aztec Rice Blend and topped with a Spicy Avocado Aioli. It was the only gluten-free dish offered at the event, demonstrating that gluten-free and delicious can go hand-in-hand with the right training.
Restaurateurs and foodservice managers can learn more about safe gluten-free food handling procedures in a free webinar, Moving your Gluten-Free Operations from Good to GREAT! to be held on September 16th at 2 pm EDT. The webinar, sponsored by Argo Foodservice, is designed to provide practical knowledge on addressing these needs within the foodservice environment.
About the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness advances widespread understanding of celiac disease as a serious genetic autoimmune condition and works to secure early diagnosis and effective management. We empower our community to live life to the fullest, and serve as a leading and trusted resource that inspires hope, accelerates innovation and forges pathways to a cure.
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