GPs can reassure parents who have children with coeliac disease that their offspring can safely play with Play-Doh so long as they don’t eat it. 

In addition, playing with dried, uncooked pasta shapes is acceptable, but a sticky, floury experience with biscuit dough or paper mache can result in gluten exposure, a US study suggests. 

Researchers, from the Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC, US, examined five scenarios, assessing the gluten transfer from common classroom supplies and foods. 

In their study, 30 children, aged 2-18, took part in five activities, including a sensory table, paper-mache making and a baking project.