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Truly Gluten Free?

sunshine3

By sunshine3
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

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sunshine3 Newbie
sunshine3
Posted

It occurred to me the other day, as I was watching the food assembly employees at Taco Bell--even though the ingredients of a tostada are gluten free, the gloved hands of the person making the tostada just made a burrito (flour tortilla)! And, I assume this is true at Wendy's or McDonald's as well. Anyone able to help me with this? I have a 9-year old celiac son. Thanks!

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flagbabyds Collaborator
flagbabyds
Posted

i don't eat at fast food becuase i am scared of CC, but that is just me.

Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted

I don't think you can ever be entirely sure that any fast food is gluten-free.

floridanative Community Regular
floridanative
Posted

There is only one fast food item I know is gluten free and that's a Wendy's baked potato that I order uncut. That way, unless I eat the skin (I don't when out) I know I'm not getting sick from the potato. Now a burger there without the bun...that's another story.

TinkerbellSwt Collaborator
TinkerbellSwt
Posted

I also only eat Wendys baked potatoes and Wendys chili and I have never had a problem. I would never dare try a Taco Bell as much as I would like to (love that garbagy stuff)

Suezboss Apprentice
Suezboss
Posted

I "risk" it sometimes, and get a burger... I do ask them to change the gloves before making it though (both at McDonalds and Wendys) It has never been a problem about changing gloves (usually a manager has to go back there to explain)... and I always get the Wendys Taco Salad (salad, chili, seasoned chips (gluten-free)) am OK.

Idahogirl Apprentice
Idahogirl
Posted

I go to Taco Bell at least once a week, and always get the tostada, and the Zesty chicken bowl minus red strips (no sauce). Their website has gluten free choices at the bottom of the nutritional info page. I've never had a problem, though I'm not super sensitive either. I can't imagine living without Taco Bell! I must say, though, that the last time I was there, they made my tostada with a flour tortilla!!! I was not happy! I called the main number (1-800-TACOBELL) and I have a coupon for a free item, plus the local manager called and offered me a free lunch, and informed me that she would make sure her employees did not let this happen again. They are really together when it comes to customer questions and comments!

I also get a bunless burger and fries from McDonald's and have never had a problem. But anytime you eat fast food, you are taking chances. Even normal people have to worry about cleanliness in some of those places!

Lisa

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olalisa Contributor
olalisa
Posted

I ALWAYS ask them to put on fresh gloves, and sometimes I get eye rolling or even yelling, but they eventually do it. Geez, do they think we LIKE having to ask them to do that? :blink:

eKatherine Apprentice
eKatherine
Posted
I ALWAYS ask them to put on fresh gloves, and sometimes I get eye rolling or even yelling, but they eventually do it. Geez, do they think we LIKE having to ask them to do that? :blink:

Actually, they do think you're doing it to annoy them. A lot of people do behave badly to minimum wage service workers.

Soo B Newbie
Soo B
Posted

-- I ALWAYS ask them to put on fresh gloves, and sometimes I get eye rolling or even yelling, but they eventually do it. Geez, do they think we LIKE having to ask them to do that? --

How true. I'm always extra-apologetic when I ask. "I hate to be a bother, but I have this allergy where blah blah blah . . . . I was wondering if you could possibly change gloves." I'm also extremly thankful. I know we shouldn't have to be above and beyond anyone else, but it does help 'grease the wheels'.

But yep, I'm with you. I HATE having to ask for anything 'special'.

olalisa Contributor
olalisa
Posted

B)-->

QUOTE(Soo B @ Jun 21 2006, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

-- I ALWAYS ask them to put on fresh gloves, and sometimes I get eye rolling or even yelling, but they eventually do it. Geez, do they think we LIKE having to ask them to do that? --

How true. I'm always extra-apologetic when I ask. "I hate to be a bother, but I have this allergy where blah blah blah . . . . I was wondering if you could possibly change gloves." I'm also extremly thankful. I know we shouldn't have to be above and beyond anyone else, but it does help 'grease the wheels'.

But yep, I'm with you. I HATE having to ask for anything 'special'.

As you do, I'm always very polite and apologize for the inconvenience, and thank them kindly. I wonder if it is because, as ekatherine said, many people do not treat them with respect, so maybe they're over being nice about special requests. I just explain it as being "very allergic to wheat" and hope they understand.

queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted
B)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Soo B @ Jun 21 2006, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->

-- I ALWAYS ask them to put on fresh gloves, and sometimes I get eye rolling or even yelling, but they eventually do it. Geez, do they think we LIKE having to ask them to do that? --

How true. I'm always extra-apologetic when I ask. "I hate to be a bother, but I have this allergy where blah blah blah . . . . I was wondering if you could possibly change gloves." I'm also extremly thankful. I know we shouldn't have to be above and beyond anyone else, but it does help 'grease the wheels'.

But yep, I'm with you. I HATE having to ask for anything 'special'.

As you do, I'm always very polite and apologize for the inconvenience, and thank them kindly. I wonder if it is because, as ekatherine said, many people do not treat them with respect, so maybe they're over being nice about special requests. I just explain it as being "very allergic to wheat" and hope they understand.

I can understand how ridiculously picky we must seem to restaurant workers... both my husband & my son are in the biz, & even without special requests it's such a madhouse at busy times.

And even my dear, understanding mom said "it seems a little excessive, doesn't it?" when I used paper towels at their beach house because a houseful of kids had been using the kitchen towel after eating who-knows-what... & you know how little kids "wash" their hands!

My mom loves me & wants only the best for me, & still finds the c-c issues a bit over the top-- but the average restaurant worker just wants to make it through the shift without keeling over! Especially fast food places where nobody gets a tip for their troubles. No wonder they roll their eyes.

That said, I don't want to give up restaurants forever! So I guess I just have to reconcile myself to being the diner from hell. But at least I'll be a polite & appreciative dfh!

Leah

Soo B Newbie
Soo B
Posted
So I guess I just have to reconcile myself to being the diner from hell.

Too funny! That reminded me of this: Open Original Shared Link

I didn't order one, but I thought it was pretty funny. I'd imagine I'll get it for my birthday from my DH.

Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted

B)-->

QUOTE(Soo B @ Jun 22 2006, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Too funny! That reminded me of this: Open Original Shared Link

I didn't order one, but I thought it was pretty funny. I'd imagine I'll get it for my birthday from my DH.

OMG those are hiliarious! I love the one that says "I ate before I got here" :lol::lol::lol:

KaitiUSA Enthusiast
KaitiUSA
Posted

Everywhere that serves gluten is a potential chance of having gluten in their gluten free items. Many places just hire random people that know next to nothing about the cross contamination importance. Just be careful when you go out to eat.

gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
My mom loves me & wants only the best for me, & still finds the c-c issues a bit over the top-- but the average restaurant worker just wants to make it through the shift without keeling over! Especially fast food places where nobody gets a tip for their troubles. No wonder they roll their eyes.

Very poignant ... I think that sums it up perfectly.

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