Endoscopic image of duodenum in individual with celiac disease, showing scalloping of the folds and cracked-mud appearance of the mucosa.

Gluten free foods are potentially dangerous, believes Dr Geoffrey Forbes - a specialist in gastroenterology.

Mr Forbes believes it is a blunder on Coeliac Australia's part to advocate for a higher amount of allowed gluten in food items. In his write-up in the Australian Medical Journal, Dr. Forbes does not agree with Coeliac Australia on the way it has interpreted the scientific theory behind gluten tolerance in patients.

Coeliac Australia, on the other hand, claims that their opinion is on the basis of rigorous research which has previously been acknowledged by UK officials. It has also been accepted in the major parts of Canada and Europe.

Australia has been following the policy of gluten free food since 1995. It allows any food which does not contain any detectable gluten. The problem started with the advent of new technologies which resulted in finer tests in detecting gluten. That is why most products are not able to pass the gluten-free tests as the gluten is the food items is now detected in an even stronger manner.

It is also why Coeliac Australia, along with the Food and Grocery Council, demands to raise the allowed level to a reduced amount of than 20 parts/million. On the other hand, Mr Forbes does not believe it is a smart choice as it is not going to be safe for every patient as some tend to be more sensitive than others to gluten. Mr Forbes favours 3 parts/million should be the benchmark.

Gluten is mostly found in foods containing grains like barley, rye, triticale and wheat. A diet that is free of protein gluten is generally followed for treating celiac disease. The patients who are advised to have a gluten-free diet are allowed to consume any kind of natural nuts, beans and seeds in their unprocessed form.

Additionally, they can also consume fresh meats, poultry, fish, eggs and most number of dairy products. They are advised to eat fresh vegetables and fruits. On the other hand, they are instructed to avoid any food item that contains barley, rye, triticale and wheat.

Watch this YouTube video uploaded by About.com on whatto buy if you're sensitive to gluten: