General Mills, Corn Chex, Gluten-Free cereal

[RadDecor]

I hadn't purchased this cereal in a couple of years.  Bought my recent box three weeks ago.  I've been sick ever since w/ the usual Celiac symptoms.  I can't remember the last time I've had a Celiac event, and because of that haven't been on Celiac.com in awhile.  Should have checked here first before purchasing General Mills, gluten-free cereals, as other member comments suggest it is not a safe gluten-free product.  Buyer beware.  

[kareng]

I know many many Celiacs that eat Chex with no issues.  I love them.  Perhaps you have a problem with corn?  

[RadDecor]

I wouldn't have posted this comment without first checking w/ past members, and what they had to say about General Mills"gluten-free" cereals.  Am trying to forewarn others to use caution when purchasing these breakfast staples.  Numerous Celiac.com members, as well as myself are having problems w/ this brand being gluten-free (it has nothing to do w/ corn).  Just trying to save one person from the pain and bloating I've been experiencing daily for the past two weeks.    

[kareng]

8 minutes ago, RadDecor said:

I wouldn't have posted this comment without first checking w/ past members, and what they had to say about General Mills"gluten-free" cereals.  Am trying to forewarn others to use caution when purchasing these breakfast staples.  Numerous Celiac.com members, as well as myself are having problems w/ this brand being gluten-free (it has nothing to do w/ corn).  Just trying to save one person from the pain and bloating I've been experiencing daily for the past two weeks.    

I think " numerous Celiac. Com members" enjoy and do well with Chex cereals.  

[kareng]

I am curious - which past members do you keep in contact with?  Maybe we have some of the same friends.  I keep up with about 30 on Facebook.  I know some of them really like rice or corn Chex, some don't eat any cereal, and one just likes fruity kids stuff. Lol

[cyclinglady]

I have to say that is is possible that you were glutened by this product.  ANYTHING is possible.  With any processed food, there is a risk of contamination, be it gluten, bacteria, etc.  Just look at all the food recalls  (thanks to the manufacturers who step up to the plate when they have made a mistake!).  However, we love the convience of prepared foods!   

For celiacs, there is always a risk of gluten exposure.  Life is full of risks and we must just learn how to minimize them.  The safest approach would be to grow and prepare all your own food, but that is not going to happen, especially for us city dwellers.    Fortunately, there are laws in place but they are not perfect.  Mistakes happen.  We celiacs and NCGI sufferers must continue to advocate for safe food and drug handling and proper labeling.   There is always room for improvement.  

As far as Chex cereal is concerned, I consumed lots of it the first year I was diagnosed and my gluten-free hubby still consumes it.  I gave up most grains only because they affect my blood sugar and I have steered my hubby away from it due to weight issues.  There are healthier choices!  ?   Celiac.com has plenty of old postings about this cereal, but let's face it, they are only opinions and not supported by scientific facts!  Sad, but true.  Another point is that even vets recommend slowly introducing new dog food when switching brands.  Maybe you had too much of a good thing!  

I do try to keep up with the safety of processed foods, because we travel and I want to purchase them.   So, I subscribed to Gluten Free Watchdog.  It is like Consumer Reports and they test foods that members question.  I looked up Chex and the rice cereal has been tested to be gluten free (test done in 2011).  The corn version was not tested, but I assume that it would be safe as well, since it is 1) a naturally gluten free product and 2) it was manufactured in the same facility with the Rice Chex.  Again, this is a processed product and any contamination  is possible, but my risk management  assessment assures me that this product is most likely gluten free.  

What is in recent question, by the gluten-free WatchDog and the Canadian Celiac Organization,  is the gluten-free oats produced by General Mills which has to do with sorting methods and questionable testing.  Personally, I would steer clear of all General Mills oat-containing products until this is resolved.  

I am sorry that you are ill.  I can understand your future avoidance of this product.  I have been in your shoes several times with various products.    But unless you have tested this product scientifically, I do not think you should make a claim that this product specifically made you ill.  I do not think it is fair to the manufacturer.  

I hope you feel better soon!  ?

 

[mmarton]

I tried this cereal twice about 12 months apart. Both times had a bad reaction, so will not be eating these again. Too bad, I really like them- just not worth it.

[RadDecor]

So sorry I took the time to forewarn other members there might be a problem w/ this product.  Mmarton, thank you for backing me up.  Gosh, forbid that everything is so politically correct these days.  My intent was not to discredit General Mills, but to bring awareness.

[psawyer]

I eat Corn Chex frequently, and have never had a problem. Well, I do have a problem, actually. They are not sold here in Canada so I have to cross-border shop to get them.