NEW YORK (CBS NEWS) – Domino’s announced Monday it will be the first national pizza delivery chain to offer gluten-free crust to its consumers. Starting today, the pizza chain will offer a small, 10-inch gluten-free crust at all U.S. stores. Domino’s partnered with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness to make sure its gluten-free pizza met the criteria for the foundation’s “GREAT (Gluten-Free Resource Education and Awareness Training) Kitchens Amber Designation.”

Celiac disease is a digestive condition that causes the immune system to react to gluten (a protein found in wheat and some grains), causing damage to the small intestines and preventing absorption of essential nutrients. Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, constipation, and diarrhea.

According to the foundation, its “Amber Designation” means the ingredients have been verified and managers and staff have been trained on the basics, but kitchen practices may vary with this designation, so “those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity should ask questions and exercise judgment when dining at an establishment with an Amber Designation.”

As such, Domino’s said in a company statement it does not recommend the new crust for people with celiac disease. “Domino’s and the NFCA found that while the crust is certified as gluten free, current store operations at Domino’s cannot guarantee that each handcrafted pizza will be completely free from gluten,” the company’s news release said. According to Domino’s and the NFCA, the crust is a better fit for people with gluten sensitivity.

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