Gluten-free Chef of the Year competition 2010 judge announced

We are pleased to announce celebrity chef Phil Vickery as our new Food Ambassador.

Phil has been working with Coeliac UK over the last few years and has helped us raise awareness about coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. and the gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. diet. He has done a great job highlighting the need for more catering establishments to offer glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. -free food, and to this end, he has also agreed to judge the Gluten-free Chef of the Year competition.

Phil said: “I am very honoured to accept the role as Coeliac UK’s Food Ambassador and to continue to support the work of the Charity. I’m passionate about improving knowledge in the food industry and the necessity for more gluten-free cooking as more and more people are diagnosed. Since embarking on the cookbook I have learnt so much and it is essential that chefs understand the importance of having gluten-free recipes. I am therefore delighted to be judging this year’s competition and urge chefs of all experience to enter.”

Phil, Coeliac UK, the Institute of Hospitality and the Craft Guild of Chefs will be looking for innovative chefs and catering students who have a passion for cooking and want to turn their hand to catering gluten-free. The event will culminate in a cook off for three finalists in each group taking place at KNORR’S Kitchen Culinary Business Development Centre in Leatherhead in November 2010.

While Phil works with us on the gluten-free diet and the food issues that people with coeliac disease face, we’ll continue to work with Dr Chris Steele MBE on the medical issues. Dr Chris is continuing with us as Health Ambassador, continuing the sterling work he is doing to raise awareness about coeliac disease.

See the right hand menu for the press release on Phil taking on the role of our Food Ambassador and judging this year's Gluten-free Chef of the Year competition.

For more on the Gluten-free Chef of the Year competition visit our campaigns pages.

See our 'People campaigning for you' page for more on the work that Dr Chris is doing.