Fuengirola: gluten-free destination

CELIACS and those who wish to limit their gluten intake are welcoming an initiative in Fuengirola to provide easier access to gluten-free food in bars and restaurants.

Up until now the city of Malaga was the only place on the Costa del Sol where it was possible to find gluten-free products when eating out.

In total, 941 businesses in Fuengirola have signed up to the initiative, promising to increase the variety of products suitable for celiacs.

Thought to be genetic, Celiac disease affects the immune system, producing intolerance to products containing gluten, such as wheat and other cereals. People suffering from the disease have to be very careful with what they eat, as the amount of products that contain gluten is surprisingly high.

Francisco José Martín, Social Services councillor at Fuengirola Town Hall, speaking to Diario Sur, said: “Many people from Fuengirola and visitors to the town are affected by this disease, [that’s why] we want to create a network of bars, hotels, hostels, restaurants and all sorts of other businesses where celiac-sufferers can visit without problems.”

It is hoped that this initiative could be yet another for tourists to visit Fuengirola.

The town council has been in contact with Malaga’s celiac association, Acema (Asociación de Celiacos de Málaga), to determine the next step in bringing the initiative to light. The participating businesses will be invited to a workshop where information on what products, and how to prepare them, would be suitable for gluten-free consumption.

Martín went on to say: “Information on where to go to find celiac-friendly businesses will be published on both the council and tourist office’s websites.” A handy map of where to go for gluten-free products is also in the pipeline.

According to Martín, Fuengirola wants to be a pioneer destination for celiacs to visit without having to worry about finding locations that meet their needs.