Working Around Gluten...

[Sagesmama]

I work part time at a large retail bookstore in the cafe. We have baked goods, we bake cookies, we have MALT powder to make mixed coffee drinks, we have a zillion gluten containing things but this is my job... this helps to provide my family with that "little bit of extra" for the more expensive gluten-free foods that we need to buy.

So- since I'm new to this can someone please give me the scoop on working around gluten? Is it taken in through skin contact? Is it possible to get sick just from touching it or does it have to be accidentally ingested? Can I wear rubber gloves and be alright? Have any of you continued to work around gluten and what do you do to make sure you're safe?

Any insight would be so helpful

[debbiewil]

Well, the experts say that gluten must be ingested to be a problem; it can't be absorbed through the skin. But if you have it on the skin it is soooo easy to get in the mouth. If the cookies etc. are premade, and you're not actually working with lots of loose flour flying through the air and all, it shouldn't be much of a problem. If you have a lot of loose flour around, it could be. Yes, wear gloves. Wash your hands, counters, etc. as often as you possibly can. And be very careful to keep hands away from face/mouth area.

Debbie

[aikiducky]

I used to have a part time job at a restaurant. I wore gloves, never ate anything there, took care to not wipe my mouth or brush my face with my hands while I worked, and took a shower and changed my clothes right away when I got home. It was ok...ish, but I still had mild symptoms from time to time on days after working there. I'm soooo happy I quit! On the positive side of things, I got very used to being around food that I cannot eat, lol!

Pauliina

[kabowman]

I get nervous we we even use a small amount at home in any powder form - pancake mix, muffin mix, etc - we don't keep any normal flour in the house. I make the kids make their stuff as far away from everything as possible, over on the desk, not near any food stuff then I clean the area, while holding my breath, very thoroughly.

I would be afraid...but I tend to overdo and get paranoid because I don't want to get sick and that little bit will do me in.