For a gluten-free diet in a child with celiac disease, which item is gluten-free and generally safe?

• A. Barley
• B. Oats
• C. Wheat bread
• D. Plain white rice

Answer: (D)

In gluten-free eating for celiac disease, the goal is to avoid gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, because it triggers autoimmune damage to the intestinal lining. Plain white rice contains no gluten, so it is inherently gluten-free and generally safe for most children with celiac disease. Barley and wheat bread both contain gluten and are not appropriate choices. Oats can be contaminated with gluten during processing, and some individuals with celiac disease may react to them, so they’re not universally safe unless labeled gluten-free and well tolerated. Therefore, plain white rice stands out as the item that is gluten-free and generally safe.