"gluten Free" Cookieis/candy

[PreOptMegs]

I bought a bag of Mi-Del gluten-free chocolate chip cookies because I was dying for a cookie and about half way through the bag, I looked at the ingredients to see what i was eating. At the bottom of the bag it had that the cookies were made in a factory that processed "wheat and peanuts". What does this mean? Are the cookies safe or not? Russell Stover Candy says the same thing on all of their candy as well, so is it safe or not? I am dying for a pecan delight, so just wondering if it is okay!

[Lisa]

I would hold off until you contact the company.

[hez]

I think this issue will be coming up more and more as the new labeling laws take effect. From what I understand the new laws (United States) are very strict about labeling for the top 8 allergens. So, even something that we would consider gluten free (the company uses good practices, says it is safe, uses separate lines) could contain this warning if in the building a top allergen is present. It will become yet another personal decision that each of us will have to make as to whether or not to trust the company. Personally, I would trust Midel. I do not know about Russell Stover.

Hez

[Guest gfinnebraska]

I have never had a problem with the Mi-Del cookies... but the Russell Stovers are another story! I was getting SO sick eating them a couple of years ago. THEN I read the "wheat" warning on the label. Aaah-ha! That is what was getting me. There must have been enough cc to make me have a reaction. I guess when it comes to "shared lines" it is a product by product decision. Some effect me... some don't. It will be interesting to see how the labeling changes in the months to come.

[jerseyangel]

I think its a personal decision whether to use products made in a factory which also processes wheat. Some people are more sensitive than others and what bothers one person may not affect another. That said, if I see the warning on a label, I don't buy it. I can always find a subsitiute that I feel more comfortable using.

[danikali]

Well, I have another question because this morning I took out the wheat-dairy-gluten free waffles I just bought and they also said made in a factory that also processes wheat products......

But the waffles, all over the box, say GLUTEN-FREE! So I'm thinking they are made SPECIFICALLY for Celiacs.........so they are extra careful?

What do you think?

[jerseyangel]

Are the waffles Van's by any chance? I ask because I got a severe reaction from them (while driving--had to stop at a Dunkin Donuts to use the restroom and almost didn't make it!) I'm sure a lot of people use and like them, but no more for me

[jenvan]

i agree with jersey angel that it ends up being a personal decision. i will eat nutty rice cereal, which is not made in a dedicated facility b/c i haven't heard anyone who has had issues with them, they are now owned by enjoylife, and they use vigilant "cleaning" and frequent testing. one brand i will not use is Kame rice crackers. they claim gluten free, but to me their awareness and procedures are shady. that is just what i've decided. i guess my criteria for deciding is my feeling of the brand and their awareness on gluten etc, if i have heard other compliants and if i have ever had an issue with them. i try to stay away from those types of products w/shared equipment...but some times it is less of a "warning" and more of a "cya." guess that's not a definitive answer!

the only midels i eat are the arrowroot, and i've been okay with those.

[Rachel--24]

But the waffles, all over the box, say GLUTEN-FREE! So I'm thinking they are made SPECIFICALLY for Celiacs.........so they are extra careful? 

What do you think?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gluten-free just basically means there is no gluten *in* the product...they don't *put* it there but there can always be contamination. (unless its processed in a gluten-free facility). I react to almost everything that is not from a dedicated facility.

[Felidae]

I had to stop eating Van's waffles too. And they were so good, but not worth the negative reaction.