Two Local Hospitals Receive National Certification as Gluten Free Safe Spot Facilities
Northern Nevada Medical Center (NNMC) and Sierra Medical Center (SMC), An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center, have both achieved validation as a Gluten Free Food Service (GFFS) program for hospital patients. The hospital’s food and nutrition departments met the rigorous standards and expectations for safety required to achieve this honor.
“By making gluten free cuisine choices available to our patients, we are supporting and addressing evolving dietary needs that contribute to every patient’s expectation of high-quality care during their stay. This includes providing nutritious options that meet an individual’s dietary standards,” said Nicole Bustamante, RDN, LD, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Northern Nevada Medical Center.
The Gluten Free Food Service audits and validates restaurants and food businesses that serve gluten free food. The Gluten Free Food Service validation program is part of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a non-profit organization that has been serving the needs of the gluten free community for over 45 years. GIG is on a mission to make life easier for everyone living gluten free and Northern Nevada Health System is proud to be a part of this program.
Gluten restrictions are often adopted for medical reasons, including celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. For these patients, even a small amount or cross-contamination with gluten can cause serious health issues. According to the GIG, 98% of people living gluten free would feel safer eating at an establishment validated as a gluten free safe spot.
To receive this certification, teams at NNMC and SMC had to meet various criteria, including gluten, celiac disease and gluten contamination education, implementation of specialized cleaning procedures, process development, and regular audits of those processes.
Nutrition Services at NNMC
To learn more about nutrition services at NNMC, visit our patient information page.
Validation as a Gluten Free Safe Spot establishes trust with gluten free patients and the ability of a facility to provide safe gluten-free food.
Since the program was established in 2009, GFFS has held its food service establishments to the highest standards and consumers recognize locations that have been validated as Gluten Free Safe Spots.
“It’s very exciting to earn gluten free validation for Sierra Medical Center. The commitment shown by our staff in achieving this certification reflects dedication to aligning with our patients’ needs and recognizing their dietary requirements. This certification highlights the commitment our entire food and nutrition team has toward providing an excellent patient experience," said Julie Schisano, Director of Food and Nutrition at SMC.