Gigi's cupcakes - avoid their gluten free cupcakes!

[Gardenmamarama]

I tested a Gigi's "gluten free" cupcake with a Gluten Tox home testing kit. The cupcake had over 20ppm gluten. Gigi's labels these cupcakes gluten free with a disclaimer that they are made on shared equipment, stored in the same case and are cross contaminated. At over 20ppm and with cross contamination they aren't permitted to call these gluten free at all. 

Unfortunately my daughter with celiac disease ate one of these cupcakes at school - given to her by a well-intentioned mother. I didn't know about it but part of the cupcake came home in my daughter's lunchbox which is how I got the opportunity to test it. I contacted corporate and the local store and will update if I hear a response. 

[cyclinglady]

Oh no!  A hard lesson to learn as a celiac kid -- do not accept food from anyone but Mom or Dad!  

Another unfortunate incident as a result of the gluten-free craze!  I have only bought gluten-free baked goods from 100% dedicated gluten-free bakeries.  There are a couple of bakeries in town that offer a gluten-free line and friends have told me about them.  No way.  The gluten-free and regular cupcakes sit side-by-side in the bakery case!  Baked in the same kitchen using the same pans!  Ugh!

i hope she feels better soon!  

[kareng]

The one time I went to Gigi's, they told me they were not for people with Celiac. 

 

The gluten free labelling law doesn't really apply to bakeries and restaurants.  I believe the government statement, that went with the law,  urged places like this to use the same standards, but they have no jurisdiction over them.  I think its a shame to have stuff labelled gluten-free that isn't, but, in this case, its probably not illegal.

[Gardenmamarama]

It is a very hard situation for my daughter. Having to say "no thank you" to the kindness someone extended to her. Missing out on the cupcakes. Being the only kid who can't have one while everyone else is diving in.  It breaks my heart. She knows and understands but still - you wish it wasn't so. 

It's also a perfect example of how misleading labels in bakeries and restaurants pose a risk, even for those of us who know to avoid those foods. In our family, we know those items are a risk, but that is because we live this every day. Someone else wouldn't know that. It says it's gluten free so why wouldn't it be gluten free? They've never heard of ppm or cross contamination. 

My daughter has a health plan at school that says she's only allowed to eat food I provide from home. Things can and do fall through the cracks so I am working with the school to get a 504.  It will have the same terms but the school will take it more seriously. It will further isolate my daughter but her health takes priority. I wish teachers and parents would notify me before food is brought for the kids so I can send something for my child, but it doesn't always happen that way. Parents show up all the time with cupcakes and we can't take any risks. 

? sad day for us? But there is hope- hope that there will be treatments for celiac so cross contamination is not a concern. Hope for new labeling laws that extends across all foods sold to the public so there's no confusion about the definition of gluten free. Hope that schools take stronger measures to keep their kids safe. 

 

 

[cyclinglady]

My daughter's best friend is allergic to peanuts and milk.  They have been in class together since the third grade and are in the same Girl Scout troop.    I know how hard it was and still is for her.  Her Mom sent wrapped cupcakes to school that her teacher kept in the teacher's freezer clearly marked. She also kept Skittles and Oreo Cookies (no milk) to hand out at party time.  Perhaps that would help?   

Personally, the parties at school have gotten out of hand.  Okay, I am old, but parents did not bring in goodies for every single little thing.  It is no wonder that our kids are not healthy.  Our state requires all food brought in to be labeled and packaged for food safety (no homemade or bakery items),  but the rules are not enforced.  

I am so sorry about your daughter.  Thank you for working so hard to keep her safe.  This is just as hard on you too!  

 

[squirmingitch]

4 hours ago, kareng said:

The one time I went to Gigi's, they told me they were not for people with Celiac. 

 

The gluten free labelling law doesn't really apply to bakeries and restaurants.  I believe the government statement, that went with the law,  urged places like this to use the same standards, but they have no jurisdiction over them.  I think its a shame to have stuff labelled gluten-free that isn't, but, in this case, its probably not illegal.

This situation with your daughter is a real shame! On the other hand, it was a lesson well learned for her. I also feel horrible for the mom who thought she was being so considerate as to make sure your daughter had a cupcake she could eat too. It'a a really tough situation all the way around.

I quoted Karen's post because she is exactly right about the way the labeling law works. Unfortunate but true. Everyone needs to learn this.

I subscribe to the Gluten Free Watchdog & just recently watched a video she posted about this exact type of situation. She explained the difference between something pre-packaged and something fresh baked in a stand alone bakery type situation.

[StephanieL]

There is no reason to isolate you kiddo in school with a 504. The idea of a 504 is actually to NOT exclude kiddos with non-learning issue issues.  I would really look at what you need to keep her safe and included and work on those things for the 504 plan.