Olley’s achieves GF accreditation
Olley’s Fish Experience in South London has joined an elite group of fish and chip shops by achieving Gluten Free (GF) accreditation from Coeliac UK, demonstrating it can safely cater for gluten free.
The news coincides with the Herne Hill chippy extending its gluten free menu from two days a week to seven, which means customers who either can’t eat gluten or who choose to avoid it can enjoy fish and chips every day.
GF accreditation is achieved by outlets who work with national charity Coeliac UK to meet the required gluten free standards, ensuring safe food. There are currently approximately 3,300 GF accredited venues in the UK of which only 31 are fish and chip businesses.
To achieve accreditation, Olley’s was audited on all aspects of preparing and serving gluten free food. This included staff training, communication with other staff and the gluten free customer, supply chain controls, storage, preparation and cooking and hygiene.
Olley’s can now use the Coeliac UK GF symbol on its menus as well as in its restaurant and takeaway and in promotional material.
Harry Niazi, owner of Olley’s Fish Experience, comments: “We’ve been successfully catering for gluten free customers for many years so are well-versed in the need to ensure they have safe gluten free options they can trust. However, we wanted to highlight our high standards to our customers, as we know it can be tricky for those who have to avoid gluten when eating out.
“Now customers are reassured from the moment they walk in the door that they can enjoy their meal and, more importantly, that they have a choice of safe options just the same as a regular customer would. We don’t want anyone to feel left out, this makes fish and chips available to everyone.”
All Olley’s staff have undergone specific training, which Harry pin-points as being critical to running a successful gluten free food business. He comments: “Each one of our staff has successfully completed the Coeliac UK course and this has underpinned their knowledge and brought to their attention how crucial implementing correct procedures is.”
As well as a comprehensive gluten free menu, Olley’s also serves a selection of gluten free English beers.