Coeliac UK app and Tesco products

[WorrisomeOwl]

Hi everyone.

Ive been eating a gluten free diet since being diagnosed celiac in January this year.

I’ve been using the Coeliac UK app to scan my food. Today I’ve gone to use it and just scanned a few things that were previously classed as fine, such as Tesco home brand gluten free baps or the gluten free nuggets etc. They are now scanning as unsuitable. This has happened with numerous other items such as Tesco yoghurts and crisps. 
 

Nothing seems to be different with the ingredients or packaging, is this a glitch with the app? Or are they now no longer safe to eat?

 

[Russ H]

It is likely the app. I don't use it as it is clunky and expensive for what it is. Whether or not an app said something was safe I always read the ingredients, which defeats the purpose. Food labelling in the UK is excellent, and clearly marks allergens.

For finding places to eat, the 'Find Me Gluten Free' app is good.

[WorrisomeOwl]

14 minutes ago, Russ H said:

It is likely the app. I don't use it as it is clunky and expensive for what it is. Whether or not an app said something was safe I always read the ingredients, which defeats the purpose. Food labelling in the UK is excellent, and clearly marks allergens.

For finding places to eat, the 'Find Me Gluten Free' app is good.

Thanks for the reply. I do the monthly direct debit to the website as it’s a charity and funds research, so just use the app that comes with that. It’s been very handy to me, especially when having to do a family shop, as it does save time.

Having looked more closely it definitely a glitch in the app.

[Russ H]

It is difficult at first but I have found that with experience I can negotiate the aisles quite well. There are a few gotchas like brown sauce, Worcester sauce and marmite that you have to watch out for.

[trents]

What is a bap?

[Russ H]

A bread roll with soft crust, the type used for making hamburgers etc. Called a bun in the US?

[trents]

Yes. Called a "bun" in the US.

[shadycharacter]

5 hours ago, WorrisomeOwl said:

Hi everyone.

Ive been eating a gluten free diet since being diagnosed celiac in January this year.

I’ve been using the Coeliac UK app to scan my food. Today I’ve gone to use it and just scanned a few things that were previously classed as fine, such as Tesco home brand gluten free baps or the gluten free nuggets etc. They are now scanning as unsuitable. This has happened with numerous other items such as Tesco yoghurts and crisps. 
 

Nothing seems to be different with the ingredients or packaging, is this a glitch with the app? Or are they now no longer safe to eat?

 

 

Could be a temporary thing. I found this about a different product (published January 2023):

"Tesco recalls own-brand free-from product due to undeclared ingredients

The supermarket giant has recalled the product that claims to be free of gluten, milk and wheat, due to the accidental inclusion of an undeclared ingredient that could cause an allergic reaction."

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/best-in-edinburgh/shopping/tesco-recalls-brand-free-product-26020116

Perhaps this has caused doubt about their other gluten-free products as well. I’ve read elsewhere that because of the war in Ukraine, the food industry sometimes have to use alternative ingredients that don't necessarily show up on the list of ingredients on the packaging. 

[Russ H]

15 minutes ago, shadycharacter said:

 I’ve read elsewhere that because of the war in Ukraine, the food industry sometimes have to use alternative ingredients that don't necessarily show up on the list of ingredients on the packaging. 

That would be illegal.

https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/packaging-and-labelling

[shadycharacter]

21 minutes ago, Russ H said:

That would be illegal.

https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/packaging-and-labelling

According to this link, some flexibility is allowed in some EU countries because of the war. 

https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2022/06/06/Ukraine-war-food-reformulation-and-labelling-What-is-your-legal-status?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright

 

[Russ H]

1 hour ago, shadycharacter said:

According to this link, some flexibility is allowed in some EU countries because of the war. 

https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2022/06/06/Ukraine-war-food-reformulation-and-labelling-What-is-your-legal-status?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright

 

But only ingredients that won't harm the consumer. Allergens must be marked. I am unaware of the UK doing anything similar.

[Peteymoz]

hi just because it says gluten free doesnt mean it is , it just means it has below 20 ppm in. i cannot eat any gluten-free free from breads as they give me skin problems no matter the brand here in the uk. try and learn about food ingredients cos if the app doesnt work or anything then you may come up short buying the correct things, celiacis a food mindfield and has left me depressed alot cos of it, but with knowledge can come somegreat new food choices.

[Scott Adams]

@Peteymoz you are correct about the level of under 20ppm as the allowed limit, but most large companies in Europe, for example Schar, make their products in dedicated facilities and there would be zero or close to zero detectable gluten in their products. If they ever detected, for example, 18ppm, it would likely set off a panic where they would need to go through their entire supply chain to figure out how it happened, because if they go over 20ppm their products would be recalled because of safety concerns, which could cost them millions.

Is it possible that you are sensitive to xanthan gum, or other gums used in gluten-free products?

 

[Russ H]

4 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

@Peteymoz you are correct about the level of under 20ppm as the allowed limit, but most large companies in Europe, for example Schar, make their products in dedicated facilities and there would be zero or close to zero detectable gluten in their products. If they ever detected, for example, 18ppm, it would likely set off a panic where they would need to go through their entire supply chain to figure out how it happened, because if they go over 20ppm their products would be recalled because of safety concerns, which could cost them millions.

Is it possible that you are sensitive to xanthan gum, or other gums used in gluten-free products?

Yes, and this is a contributing factor to why gluten-free bread is so expensive - restricted supply chain, testing and small volumes. Apart from xanthan gum, some gluten-free breads use psyllium, and most use rice flour. It is more likely a reaction to one of these than gluten contamination.

[Peteymoz]

6 hours ago, Russ H said:

Yes, and this is a contributing factor to why gluten-free bread is so expensive - restricted supply chain, testing and small volumes. Apart from xanthan gum, some gluten-free breads use psyllium, and most use rice flour. It is more likely a reaction to one of these than gluten contamination.

hi i have tried the schar items and they have there own unique taste which is not for me but others may like, i have noticed xanthan gum on product packaging when i have had issues there after so i avoid this also as a rule, will read up on psyllium and rice flower thanks. yours and others pain, suffering and mountains of info documented on this website have been the best help to be honest, its the first place i go and i have read so much of the site and comments, its more of a community here with everyone just sharing info, issues and how to help each other so a big thanks to everyone