Fireaway Pizza called out for 'gluten-free' advertisement by coeliac sufferers

Adam Teague, who suffers from coeliac disease, has not been able to eat a takeaway pizza for three years. 

He was excited to see a gluten free option advertised at Fireaway on Angel Street - though it would cost £3 extra.

Mr Teague's excitement quickly plummeted when he was told by a staff member that the pizza was not actually suitable for those with gluten allergies.

For coeliacs, gluten can lead to a number of gut issues including diarrhoea, stomach aches and indigestion.

However, Fireaway Pizza claim the option is gluten free and an "extra cautious" temporary manager incorrectly said it was not.

Mr Teague said: "I have been looking for somewhere to eat in Worcester as there is barely anywhere that you can get a gluten free meal. 

"I saw it on their menu for only £3 extra so I thought 'that's great' and my friend called up to order us some pizzas."

Fireaway sign advertises gluten-free pizzas for an additional £3 (Image: Fireaway sign advertises gluten-free pizzas for an additional £3)

Mr Teague's friend asked over the phone when ordering if Fireaway could confirm that the pizza was gluten-free because of his coeliac disease and was told that the pizza was not gluten-free but instead "for people who want to live a gluten-free lifestyle". 

Mr Teague also went into the shop in person to ask again and was given the same answer. 

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He added: "How can you advertise a pizza as gluten-free and charge extra money for it if it's not?

"It's dangerous and it's a health hazard. 

"I got in touch with an email saying that it is false advertising and waited two weeks but didn't get a response.

"I think it's wrong on so many levels.

"If it's not a gluten free base then it should be taken off of the menu. 

"I was very excited, I've not had a proper pizza for three years. 

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"I would have happily paid £3 for a gluten-free pizza but you can't charge £3 extra for a normal base."

Mr Teague explained he reacts to gluten within an hour and the painful symptoms are not worth having a pizza.

The owner of Fireaway, Harry Singh, has disputed allegations that the pizzas are not gluten free.

He said: "We had a temporary store manager who was being extra cautious due to the environment. 

"All procedures are in place to eliminate the risk of cross contamination by law.

"I apologise for the inconvenience that may have been caused."