Did Pamela’s change their manufacturing protocol?

[Annieoh]

OK, I got really badly gluten bombed recently and am slowly healing from it. In the days leading up to it, I ate absolutely nothing different from what  always knew to be safe.  It never occurred to me to look at my new box of Pamela‘s graham crackers. I’ve been eating them for years. I looked at the back of the box and was stunned to see the words  “Manufactured in a facility on equipment that processes Peanuts, Tree Nuts, !!!WHEAT!!!, Coconut, Eggs, Soy and Milk.”

Am I high or is this a new thing? I could be mixed up but I thought they used to process in a dedicated gluten-free facility. After seeing this I did some research and saw that they were acquired by a different company. But this was well over a year ago. Now it’s been along time since I purchased a box of these so maybe I’m just out of the loop. Does anyone know? 

[ravenwoodglass]

I noticed the same on some cookies that looked really good. I always read labels because I also have to avoid soy. They were one of my favorite companies and I hate to have to give up their baking mix but can't take a risk. Gosh I wish companies wouldn't sell their names and formulas. The quality and safety always seems to go down.

[Annieoh]

Although I did see articles from 2019 - 2020 about the company change when I went googling for it yesterday, but saw nothing about their production procedures changing unless I missed it. Should've been doen in bold caps.

I always read labels which can get tedious. So in the rare circumstance I find a company who produces only gluten free products with a statement about their dedicated gluten-free facility and equipment, and whose products I've use for years, I tend to trust that I don't have to examine the box each time I reach for the brand. Lesson learned but disheartening. 

[Annieoh]

ravenwoodglass PS. I like the quote at the start of your signature.  

[ravenwoodglass]

51 minutes ago, Annieoh said:

ravenwoodglass PS. I like the quote at the start of your signature.  

It is one of my favorites. I found it at a time when I was learning how to walk normally...again and it was a good to think about on days when things hadn't gone well.

[Annieoh]

Answering my own question and leaivng it here in case other's were as clueless as I was abt Pamela's. After some teeth pulling, here is their 2nd reply (their 1st reply, which sidestepped my questions, also follows): 

"Annie – The Baking Mixes all continue to be made in a Gluten Free facility. All other Pamela’s Products were made in a gluten free facility at one point but are now made in a facility where wheat and other allergens are present.

Jenny"

===

"Thank you for reaching out to Pamela’s! We appreciate you taking the time to email us with these questions.

We are GFCO certified (Gluten Free Certification Organization) a program of the GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group) and conduct frequent swab testing for gluten.  Pamela’s Products has a robust sanitation and allergen control program in place to prevent product cross contamination. Additionally, our facilities maintain a schedule that ensures our gluten-free products are processed during a completely different time frame than products containing wheat.

Pamela’s Products does have a statement on our boxes about the manufacturing of our products and that other allergens are present. We manufacture with allergens in mind, meaning that nuts are in recipes baked last. We follow excellent GMPs for allergy manufacturing and cleaning, and our staff is fully trained for baking with allergens.

Once again, we completely understand your concern and value this feedback so much. I would love to offer you some coupons for our sister company, Ancient Harvest, that produces its quinoas and gluten-free pastas in facilities where gluten is not present. If you’re interested, please provide me with your mailing address!

Thank you again for taking the time to email us and I hope this information helps you make the most informed decision.

Warmly, 

Jenny"