Another seminar was organised in March 2003 aimed at the catering sector. This was held at the Reef Club Pavilion of the Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julians. Restaurant Chefs as well as Hotels’ Food and Beverage Managers and Chefs were all invited to attend so that they can have the opportunity to learn more what a gluten free diet involves and the precautions that need to be taken when catering for Coeliacs. Students from The Institute of Tourism Studies were also invited for this seminar.
Ms. Maria Ellul, Public Health Nutritionist, gave a brief introduction and invited the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Michael Refalo to open the Seminar, who in turn also gave a short speech. This was followed by a short presentation on Coeliac Disease by Dr. Mario Vassallo, Consultant Gastroenterologist, St. Luke’s Hospital, and another short presentation on the Genetic Side of Coeliac Disease by Dr. Christian Scerri (Molecular Genetics). A talk on The Essentials of Gluten Free Eating was then given by Ms. Norma McGough, Clinical Dietitian with Coeliac UK. She was invited over by Coeliac Association Malta specifically for this seminar. A coffee break followed during which those present could view some gluten free products exhibited. After the break there was a short presentation by Mr. Bert Janssen, Executive Chef of the Westin Dragonara Resort, followed by questions and discussions.
This seminar was very well attended both by Restaurant Chefs and representatives of various Hotels, as well as some students from I.T.S.