Rejected petition: Mandate safe allergy and coeliac meals in NHS hospitals
Rejected on
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 was this petition rejected?
It’s not clear what the petition is asking 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/
We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.