Gluten free Bread and Bread mixes

Posted on June 25th, 2025

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside held a six-week public consultation from 28 January to 11 March 2025, on a proposal that in the future gluten free bread and bread mixes are no longer available on NHS prescription. You can find a report into the engagement on the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside website

Following the consultation, the Board of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside decided that prescribing of bread of bread mixes for over 18s will cease, meaning that the same position now applies to all adults across Cheshire and Merseyside.

However, the Board decided that until 28 November 2025, prescribing can continue for under 18s with coeliac disease or another diagnosed condition which means they need to follow a gluten free diet. This only applies to those areas where prescribing was already happening.

Next steps for GPs

In light of the change to prescribing for over 18s, GPs are asked with immediate effect to:

• Remove gluten free bread and bread mix from medicine screens for over 18s.
• Cease to provide repeat prescriptions for these items.

We acknowledge the concerns raised during the public consultation, particularly regarding the affordability of gluten free products. NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is committed to working with local partners to mitigate any potential impact on patients and ensure continued support for those affected by coeliac disease.

Please click here to read the letter  Patient letter – GF final