July 16, 2026 – Wellington Regional Medical Center has achieved validation as a Gluten-Free Food Service program, one of few hospitals in the country to achieve this status. The Wellington Regional Medical Center nutrition team met the rigorous standards and expectations for safety required to achieve this honor.
The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) audits and validates restaurants and food businesses that serve gluten-free food. The Gluten-Free Food Service validation program is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a non-profit organization that has been serving the needs of the gluten-free community for over 45 years. GIG is on a mission to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free and [Facility name] is proud to be a part of this program.
Wellington Regional Medical Center will be displaying the validated Gluten-Free Safe Spot logo throughout the facility to represent the independent verification of quality, integrity, and purity of businesses serving gluten-free food. Validation as a Gluten-Free Safe Spot establishes trust with gluten-free patrons in the ability of a facility to provide safe gluten-free food.
“Earning gluten-free facility recognition for the third year in a row demonstrates Wellington Regional Medical Center’s commitment to patient-centered care,” said Pam Tahan, CEO. “We are proud to create an environment where individuals with dietary restrictions can feel safe, supported, and cared for while receiving treatment or visiting our facility.”
Since the program was established in 2009, GFFS has always held its food service establishments to the highest standards. Consumers recognize locations that have been validated as Gluten-Free Safe Spots serve gluten-free food that meets the nonprofit GFFS’s rigorous standards and expectations for safety. GFFS validates participating establishments, from restaurants to college dining, senior living, hospitals and more, by visiting locations in-person to ensure they follow best practices for gluten-free food safety and ensure high-quality staff training.
Facts about the Demand for Gluten-Free:
- The demand for gluten-free options has surged in recent years, due in part to increased awareness and diagnosis of gluten-related disorders:
- According to research at Gluten Intolerance Group, celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the global population, causing an autoimmune reaction to gluten ingestion.
- Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) impacts up to 13% of the population.
“It’s very exciting to award gluten-free validation to Wellington Regional Medical Center The commitment shown by Wellington Regional Medical Center in achieving our certification reflects their dedication to catering to individuals with gluten-related disorders. This certification not only recognizes their efforts but also highlights the commitment to ensuring safe gluten-free food at a time/place when the gluten-free individuals need it the most,” said Cynthia Kelly, CEO of the Gluten Intolerance Group.
About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is located in Wellington, Florida. It is a 235-bed, acute care hospital, owned by a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc., a highly respected healthcare management organization. Wellington Regional is proud to have provided high quality healthcare services to the residents of Palm Beach County since 1986. As a community hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, Wellington Regional prides itself on its continued commitment to remain at the forefront of advanced technologies and expanding programs and services to meet the needs of the growing community it serves.
About the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association funded by private donations, sponsorship opportunities and food safety programs. It relies on tax-deductible contributions to support its many innovative industry, service, social and awareness programs. GIG has been a highly respected leader in the gluten-free community since it was founded in 1974. In addition to more than 80 local support groups across the United States, GIG has increased its presence internationally to 58 countries. GIG empowers the gluten-free community through consumer support, advocacy and education. The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program is a proven model of established best practices for food service facilities offering gluten-free options. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of GIG, is a leader in the verification of quality, integrity and purity of gluten-free products. GIG is committed to ongoing food safety research to assure customers and consumers the highest level of excellence in its gluten-free programs and services. For information, visit www.gluten.org.
