Does Wellshire Farms Case Pose Ethical Dilemma for Health Food Stores?

The Chicago Tribune’s story about food allergens — specifically Wellshire Farms gluten-free products allegedly containing some gluten in them — is a hot topic in the celiac community. Today I pose the question about grocery stores. Without a recall, is the store obligated to take any action to protect customers? I checked in with a few of my local stores to see what they’re doing about this issue.

In less than a month, the family (and two dogs) are hitting the road for a power road trip to Nevada to see Grandma and Grandpa. What’s the best way to do it in gluten-free style? I’m launching my investigation with the help of the internet and your suggestions!

Love those holiday potlucks right? Maybe not. There are often very few gluten-free choices but lots of cross-contamination — let’s face it the dip always spills out and onto the gluten-free chips. What can you do to survive the potluck without offending anyone, seeming rude, and putting your health at risk? Here are some easy suggestions…

A fabulous Thanksgiving and why we’re thankful — yes thankful– for celiac disease.

I put my money where my mouth is. I said we should write to our members of Congress about the flaws in the food labeling and testing system revealed by the Chicago Tribune recently. I did just that..writing to both of my Senators on the Agriculture Committee, and asking for help.

November 25th, 2008 Dear Senators, I am coming to you asking for help for people who must adhere to special diets for major medical reasons. In my family’s case, it is a gluten-free diet. Last week, the Chicago Tribune printed an alarming story about Wellshire Farms’ chicken nuggets and corn dogs made and marketed as “gluten-free” (not containing wheat, rye, barley and some oats), when it turned out they actually contained some gluten. The newspaper sent the products to the University of Nebraska’s food-allergy labs; the test results showed the Wellshire Farms’ products with varying high levels of gluten. Yet the products are not being recalled, despite two documented cases of anaphylactic reactions in children with wheat allergies. I have a 9-year-old child and a 17-year-old exchange student both with celiac disease. Celiac is an autoimmune disorder, where gluten—the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats – is toxic to the person’s small intestine. When gluten is in the system, it damages the gut to a point of not absorbing any nutrients, thus causing a domino effect of health problems. Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is essential for celiacs. Parents like me, and thousands of others across […]

In my last post, I expressed doubt and confusion about which celiac-friendly companies to trust after an alarming investigation by the Chicago Tribune. Well at least one company is coming out to reassure the public of its safety. While another is defending its gluten-free practices.

A call to action after an alarming report from the Chicago Tribune shows us that companies that make specific gluten-free foods, may actually contain some gluten. What’s more? The report states there are very few recalls and little government oversight into this food safety issue. What can we do?

Researchers are looking into the possibility of a saliva test for celiac disease. They’re calling it “promising”.

When it was time this fall to make some gluten-free holiday cookies to share with other celiac families, I was stumped. I didn’t want to just do the same thing over and over again (sugar cookies or holiday wreaths). But then I found the right recipe…which became an adventure in baking for me…