A QUARTER of a million pounds was spent on gluten-free bread, pasta and other products by Wiltshire health chiefs last year.

Wiltshire Clinicial Commissioning Group forked out £241,000 on prescriptions for patients unable to eat gluten.

Now, the CCG is reviewing its policies on prescribing gluten-free foods. It follows a change in government guidance, with local health commissioners advised to limit gluten-free prescriptions to bread and mixes only.

A consultation on the plans will run until July 22.

Dr Richard Sandford-Hill, chairman of Wiltshire CCG, said: “The two options proposed are to stop prescribing all gluten-free foods in primary care, or to restrict prescribing to bread and mixes only for those patients with a diagnosis of coeliac disease and/or dermatitis herpetiformis up to the age of 18 years.

“While these proposals will reduce the amount of staple gluten-free foods available on prescription in Wiltshire, it will not affect the vital help and support available to patients diagnosed with coeliac disease and/or dermatitis herpetiformis via their GP or dietician.

“There is also no strong clinical evidence that patients who receive gluten-free food on prescription are more likely to comply with a gluten-free diet, or have better health outcomes than those who do not.”

The NHS began prescribing gluten-free products in the 1960s, when such items were harder to find in shops.

To have your say on the Wiltshire CCG plans visit: www.wiltshireccg.nhs.uk.