How Much Can We Trust Food Manufacturers?

[Seeking2012]

Ok so lets say we read the ingredients list and we found no wheat, barley, or rye ingredients. Great. But we know that's not the end of the story.

 

So lets say we look for allergen information, and there is none. And again we know that our detective work isn't over.

 

So lets say we then call the food company at the number listed on their packaging and the customer service rep tells us over the phone that the food/ingredients are processed on gluten-free equipment and there is no cross-contamination.

 

Is our work now done; can we trust them? Does it end here? I say this is a Celiac who never has GI symptoms, so my gut isn't going to tattle on them.

[w8in4dave]

I have never called a company. If I have problems with a product I just never buy it again. I actually only had problems with some rice once and then gave it away and now only buy gluten-free rice. I look on this site for good products. Tried and true stuff. I figure someone eles has already done the foot work why should I do it again? I trust everyone in here. 

[LauraTX]

I feel your predicament, as I also have no telling GI symptoms.

 

In the end, there is a level of trust that you have to place in companies.  For me, I will spend the extra dollar on something that is made by a company who takes the time to give clear allergen information.  Certified gluten-free stuff is the way to go if you can, but once you get into more everyday products like pasta sauce, salad dressing, etc, it is important to me that I buy brands that are very gluten-free friendly with their labeling.  

 

If I have to go out of my way and contact a company to get allergen information, I will buy a clearly labeled/allergen info at the ready product instead of it, unless it is something exceptionally good.  I also shop at a grocery store who has the best gluten-free labeling on their private label products out of the 6 other grocery stores around me. Why work hard to seek out info when there is a clearly labeled choice... I choose to spend my money rewarding the companies who are clear about disclosing things in the first place.

 

I am also very anal retentive about making sure things are gluten-free because my body will not tell me if I get glutened.

[cyclinglady]

I hear ya! But I have the best "gluten meter" -- my husband! One glutening and he is cranky and snores heavily that very day ( never snores otherwise!). Makes it easier to track down a gluten source which is almost ALWAYS from a restaurant. I can pretty much trust manufacturers.