May is Celiac Awareness Month. Celiac disease is a genetic condition where consuming gluten can cause serious damage to the body. But gluten can create discomfort even when a person doesn’t have celiac disease. And since it’s part of widely used grains, such as wheat, rye, barley, and some oats, it can be hard for those with gluten sensitivity to find a safe place to eat.
That’s why Local Guide Rosana Belló ( @rosanabtl ) has made it her mission to guide others to restaurants and shops that meet their dietary needs. As a person with gluten intolerance herself, she understands the power of adding information about gluten-free options on Google Maps and raising awareness among business owners.
Rosana started her Local Guides journey with the idea of putting her city, Pindamonhangaba, SP, Brazil, on the map. But since she joined Connect, she has discovered more ways to help others by including details about accessibility, sustainability, and more, in her reviews. She adds her personal touch by promoting food safety while highlighting local businesses because she believes that everyone has the right to a social and inclusive life.
“Every time I go to a restaurant, cafe, or any place that sells food, I post a review about it and mention whether they have gluten-free options. I take photos or videos of the products so that people can have a visual reference,” Rosana shares. “It is also very important to highlight if the food is cross-contaminated. This happens when traces of gluten come into contact with foods, utensils, or surfaces that do not originally contain it, making the dish unsuitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.”
Whenever she visits somewhere new, Rosana searches on Google Maps for places that offer gluten-free products and reads reviews. Her own favorite review is of an Italian restaurant in Malta, which she tried on a recent trip. “When I said that I was gluten intolerant, the waiter advised which dishes I could order and why I couldn’t order others, as sometimes even the salad had gluten in the sauce. They made a bruschetta and gluten-free pasta for me. It was a wonderful experience, sitting at a table with friends in a pleasant atmosphere, enjoying a delicious meal safely,” she recalls.
But moments like these aren’t that common as many establishments are still not adapted to welcome people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. In addition to the physical issues that these conditions cause, Rosana says that “fear of contamination, insecurity when traveling, social exclusion, and misunderstanding from other people can create emotional and social challenges.”
So can Local Guides help make places with gluten-free options more visible on Google Maps for those who need them?
Certainly. One way is to provide details under the “Dietary restrictions” tag, which may pop up when writing a restaurant review. Whether you’re visiting an eatery or a supermarket, Rosana also recommends including a few lines in your review to mention:
- If the menu has clear indications about which items are gluten-free, using symbols or specific language.
- If there is a dedicated shelf or section with gluten-free products for sale.
Thank you, Rosana, for all you do! Local Guides, do you share information about places offering gluten-free alternatives on Google Maps? Let us know below.
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