A new ruling by the Department of Justice states that those suffering from celiac disease and gluten sensitivity qualify as having a disability within the reaches of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

As usually happens with this sort of thing, those with the experience are relieved to be taken seriously, and those who have no experience with it think it’s overkill.

Many people, me included, are eating less gluten. But that’s a choice. It’s not a medical imperative. I don’t have a disability, I have a preference.

But many people walk through a gluten-crazed world, just hoping to navigate it safely enough to not break into serious consequences. For those folks there have been few options and little understanding.

I hope this ruling will step up expectations for education among food service professionals.

For the record, Yummy Yammy has no gluten-containing ingredients, but it is not made in a gluten-free facility. I hope that in 2013 we will become gluten-free certified for our production process as well.

What do you think? Do you have celiac sufferers in your circles? How do you think this ruling will affect you?

Yammily yours,

Lisa Johnson, Yambassador, Yummy Yammy