Celiac Disease is believed to affect about 1 in 133 people — or more than two million people in the United States alone, many of whom have suffered the symptoms of the disease but have not yet been diagnosed. Celiac Disease is a serious autoimmune disease characterized by intestinal malabsorption, abnormal small-intestinal structure, and intolerance to gluten. There is no cure for gluten intolerance, and those affected must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet.

Gluten is a form of protein found in wheat, rye and barley, and it is commonly present in oats due to cross-contamination. The gluten peptides — protein particles — are very stable at high temperature and can be transferred in fry oil, thus contaminating the food of those who would suffer from the disease.