Annatto

[JoeB]

I'm very careful with my diet and have had very few gluten problems, but I've found that when I eat ice cream that contains annatto I have a reaction that is exactly what happens when I eat gluten. I never have a problem with ice cream that doesn't contain gluten. I've had this happen with both Breyer's and Edy's (Edy's web site says the flavor I ate is gluten-free).

I've searched the archives and see only a couple of references to problems with annatto. Does anyone know for sure if this is related to celiac disease?

[bluelotus]

Search the site index and the forbidden/safe food lists. I think that they used to mention gluten may be used in annatto processing......

Good luck with your search!

[bluelotus]

Sorry, did the search and didn't see it. Let me check some old files and get back with you.....

[bluelotus]

I apologize, I may have misspoke. The list I have here says annatto is safe for celiacs, but I swear I remember reading that gluten may be used in its processing. This would have been a year ago that I saw it..... Sorry for all the confusion, but it appears, based on what's listed now, annatto is safe. Let me know if you find any other information. I really don't think I'm going crazy, but I guess its always possible.

[lovegrov]

Once upon a time somebody, I think it was the CSA, claimed that people with celiac should avoid annatto. This was based on nothing at all. Annatto is without question gluten-free. However, there do seem to be some people who disagree with annatto.

richard

[jenvan]

I met with a celiac nurse this week who mentioned steering clear of annatto. She mentioned it can irritate Celiacs who are still healing... That's all I can think of on it....

[mommida]

When I was on the gluten free diet for the first year, I was reacting to annatto! I have since been able to tolerate it.

Laura

[JoeB]

Thanks for replies. I've only been gluten-free for less than a year, so I hope you're right about getting less sensitive to annatto. I did see some previous posts in the archives and it certainly looks like this isn't a widespread problem among celiacs. I guess I'll just stay away from it for a while and then try it again in a year or so.

[flagbabyds]

When I was first diagnosed they told me to stop annatto before I was 6 and then be able to have it until I was 60, it is something about the way that your body can process it, especially when you are still healing, try staying off it for a year or two, and then when you are completely healed, try going back slowly.