Reaction with Absolute Organic Baked Beans - please be careful

[GlutenFreedom3141]

I'm referring to this product: https://www.absoluteorganic.com.au/product/baked-beans/

It's an Australian company, with canned baked beans labelled "Gluten-free" on first glance.

I've had bad reactions (my typical gluten exposure symptoms) to this on two separate occasions. The first time was years ago. I decided to give them another chance, but had the same reaction. As I ordered in quantity (to save on shipping), I have three unopened tins which I'm trying to return. I am resolved never to take another bite of this product again. 

On a closer look (you pretty much have to have the tin in your hand to be able to read the small font - so it is difficult to see it when ordering online), the actual label is "Naturally Gluten-free". I think this is a bit of a weasel clause that companies use to cover themselves when they don't actually do any line testing of their products to assure they're free of gluten to so many parts per million etc. In this case, I'm pretty sure some cross contamination must have occurred somewhere along the line. Whatever the case may be, if you're very sensitive like me, please give this a miss. 

[Scott Adams]

I believe that the laws in Australia are even stricter than the USA for using the claim "gluten-free" on product labels, but is it possible that their beans are causing you gastric issues, as they can with many people, celiac or not?

Also, it might be good to call the company directly to ask them about whether or not their products could be contaminated. 

[GlutenFreedom3141]

5 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

I believe that the laws in Australia are even stricter than the USA for using the claim "gluten-free" on product labels, but is it possible that their beans are causing you gastric issues, as they can with many people, celiac or not?

Also, it might be good to call the company directly to ask them about whether or not their products could be contaminated. 

Thanks for the reply. I have no issues with Waitrose baked beans, for example, so I don't think it's the beans per se.

I'm not sure if writing to the company will change anything, or even if they'll acknowledge an issue openly. At best they may just indicate the implication of "Naturally Gluten-Free" rather than "Gluten-free".

Just wanted to save someone else grief. But thanks so much for your kind advice. 

[Scott Adams]

No worries, and it is possible there is a manufacturing issue with that brand, but be sure also to check for other ingredients, for example soy, to see if your reaction might be due to an additional intolerance that you may have.

[GlutenFreedom3141]

6 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

No worries, and it is possible there is a manufacturing issue with that brand, but be sure also to check for other ingredients, for example soy, to see if your reaction might be due to an additional intolerance that you may have.

Thank you. With regard to soy, I take actual soy bean curd in large quantities without issues, so it's not that. Anyway, I know this isn't the brand for me.

[GlutenFreedom3141]

Thanks @Scott Adams, I followed your advice and wrote to the company. Here's how it went:

On 2022-03-14 17:07, --- wrote:

Dear Sir/Madam,
 
I suffer from severe gluten sensitivity. On two separate occasions, I've tried your baked beans marked "Naturally Gluten Free". Unfortunately, I've had severe and typical reactions both times. 
 
May I clarify if you actually do line testing of your finished product to certify the level of gluten to (say) below 20ppm (parts per million) using a validated testing method? I'm concerned that simply using "gluten free" ingredients might not guarantee the absence of cross contamination during production.
 
I would be most grateful for a clarification.
 
Thanks and best regards, 
---

Their reply:

Dear ---, 

Thank you for reaching Eco Farms.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

This product was made from overseas not at Eco-Farms but we supplied labelling based on our best review at that time.

Please see attached the current label does not have the “Naturally Gluten Free” claim/icon.

Thank you

***

Interesting. Are they disclaiming liability for the labelling of their franchised product output? 

Setting all that aside, it goes to show none of us can be too careful. Labelling is only a guide. Always trust your gut - and please excuse the terrible pun.

Since I still can't find my preferred brand at the stores and online, I'm ordering Sainsbury's now, it seems to have a gluten-free marking but this is always going to be a bit of a crapshoot (an even more terrible pun lol). Let's hope it goes better. 

[Scott Adams]

Thank you for sharing this, and it could definitely explain the issue you had with their product. In the USA such mislabeling could result in a product recall, so I'm also really surprised at their lack of accountability on their own gluten-free claim.

[GlutenFreedom3141]

6 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

Thank you for sharing this, and it could definitely explain the issue you had with their product. In the USA such mislabeling could result in a product recall, so I'm also really surprised at their lack of accountability on their own gluten-free claim.

Yes, I fully agree that their inaction does not make them look good. 

By the way I'm linking the images for the actual can I got (with the misleading labelling) and the supposedly updated proper labelling (they sent me by email). 

Label on can I purchased

Label they sent me by email

 

[GlutenFreedom3141]

By the way, I can't give them the benefit of the doubt because I distinctly remember having had a reaction to the same beans (also labelled gluten free) more than a year ago. They really should have fixed the issue by now. Very disappointing. I am going to steer clear of all this company's products.

[Scott Adams]

I just want to insert those images into this thread permanently for any future visitors:

[GlutenFreedom3141]

5 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

I just want to insert those images into this thread permanently for any future visitors:

Sure, thank you Scott. I'm new here and couldn't figure out the controls.😂