Coeliac Association Malta has filed a formal complaint with the Broadcasting Authority following comments made about the gluten-free diet during an episode of Bundy Time on TVM on 2nd May, 2026.
The Association considers the remarks inappropriate and disrespectful towards individuals living with coeliac disease and other gluten-related disorders. It is also disappointing that the comments were met with laughter rather than being challenged or corrected.
With this complaint we have requested that the Broadcasting Authority investigate this matter. The Association has also requested a public acknowledgement that the remarks were inappropriate and seeks a public apology from the Bundy Time production team and guests involved in the discussion.
You may read the full complaint to the Broadcasting Authority below.
Full Complaint
Coeliac Association Malta would like to file a formal complaint regarding comments made during an episode of Bundy Time on TVM aired on the 2nd of May, 2026.
Towards the end of the programme, John Bundy invited Rachel Micallef to share a story regarding gluten-free food:
- Rachel Micallef states that approximately fifteen years ago the gluten-free diet was not well known – “ħmistax-il sena ilu din ma kinitx daqshekk invoga”
- She then described how she would cook food claiming that it is gluten-free when, according to her, it was not. She also stated that the person consuming the food would experience symptoms, including diarrhoea – “dejjem j***a taħtu”
- She remarked she would claim that the food was gluten-free when it was not – “kollox gluten-free, kollox tajjeb għalik u xejn ma jkun tajjeb”
- Lastly, she concluded by saying that she would deliberately use products containing wheat flour and gluten – “l-affarijiet li nuża bil-vendikazzjoni li jkunu full wheat, full flour, full gluten”
These comments were met with laughter from those present. However, we believe that the subject matter is not one that should be treated as a joke.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to mistakenly attack its own tissues when ingesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. This immune response damages the lining of the small intestine. Currently, the only treatment available is a strict gluten-free diet. By eliminating gluten, the small intestine can heal and return to normal function, allowing proper nutrient absorption.
If left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to other complications such as malnutrition, aneamia, osteoporosis, fertility issues, growth problems in children and increased risk of intestinal cancers.
Apart from the medical complications, maintaining a gluten-free diet presents daily social and emotional challenges. One must carefully read food labels, understand the risks of cross-contamination and also face difficulties when attending social events, eating out or participating in school activities. These challenges can contribute to a feeling of exclusion and anxiety, affecting not only patients but also their families and friends.
With that in mind, the comments made by Rachel Micallef were rather concerning. The suggestion that someone would knowingly serve gluten containing food as gluten-free and cause symptoms to another person is very troubling. It demonstrates a lack of empathy towards those who depend on a gluten-free diet for their health and wellbeing.
We consider the remarks inappropriate and disrespectful towards a section of the Maltese population living with these conditions. It is also disappointing that the comments were received with laughter rather than being challenged or corrected.
Coeliac Association Malta is requesting the Broadcasting Authority to investigate this matter and consider appropriate action. We also request a public acknowledgement that the comments were inappropriate and a public apology from Rachel Micallef, John Bundy and the production team of Bundy Time.
Coeliac disease and gluten-related disorders are serious health conditions that deserve understanding, respect and accurate representation in the media. A public apology would be a step towards greater awareness and ensuring that individuals affected by these conditions are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Links:
- Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYrVSfoicAw/
- Full Episode on tvmi.mt: https://tvmi.mt/episode/157081 (1:10:45)