Mandate safe allergy and coeliac meals in NHS hospitals

Rejected 20 signatures

What the petition asks

Legally require all NHS hospitals to provide safe, cross-contamination-free gluten, dairy, and lactose-free meals on ward menus at no extra cost, ensuring isolated patients without family support do not face hunger or medical risk.

Many NHS hospitals fail to provide basic gluten, dairy, or lactose-free meals on ward menus. This forces vulnerable patients to go hungry or risk severe illness. While some rely on family or canteens, isolated patients without support are left entirely neglected and unable to eat. The NHS accommodates religious diets, yet vital medical dietary needs are ignored. Safe food is part of healthcare; patients cannot recover without safe nourishment.

Why it was rejected

It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.

NHS hospitals are already required to "to demonstrate that they have suitable 24/7 food service provision, which is appropriate for their demographic." Food service staff and all others involved in preparing and serving food must undertake training in food allergy and the importance of avoiding cross-contamination with other foods.

You can read more about this here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/national-standards-for-healthcare-food-and-drink/

Timeline

20 Jun 2026	Petition opened for signatures
21 Jul 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 20

Status Rejected

Rejected 21 Jul 2026

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