My family and I are among the many Australians who live with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Four of us have celiac disease, while two others are gluten intolerant. It is disheartening to see that we, along with many others, are unable to enjoy a simple pleasure like a meal at McDonald's due to the lack of gluten-free options.

McDonald's is a global brand known for its inclusivity and adaptability. Yet in Australia, it has not adapted its menu to cater for those with dietary restrictions like ours. This feels discriminatory when some European branches of McDonald's already offer gluten-free bun options.

The prevalence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance has increased significantly over the years. According to Coeliac Australia, approximately one in 70 Australians is affected by celiac disease but around 80% remain undiagnosed. This suggests that there could be hundreds of thousands more people who would benefit from more inclusive food choices.

Fast food should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone regardless of their dietary needs or restrictions. By introducing a separate toaster for preparing gluten-free buns, McDonald's can make this possible without compromising on safety or taste.

We urge McDonald's Australia not just to consider our plea but also act upon it swiftly so that we no longer have to miss out on enjoying meals at one of our favourite fast-food chains because we cannot consume gluten. Please sign this petition if you believe in equal access to fast food for all Australians!