Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

The Response I Got From

Turtle

Recommended Posts

Turtle Enthusiast
Turtle
Posted

Dear Miss DuPree:

Thank you for contacting General Mills regarding your dissatisfaction with the recent reformulation of Cocoa Puffs reduced sugar cereal.

Our goal is to give consumers quality products at a good value. Prior to introducing any product, extensive consumer testing is done. We conduct market research and product testing continuously to obtain consumer reaction to existing products and to changes being considered. Only when we feel confident that a product change will broaden its appeal will we alter a product’s formulation. We are sorry that you do not agree that the recent change in Cocoa Puffs reduced sugar cereal was for the better.

We will be sending an adjustment for your purchase to the address you provided. Please allow 7 to 10 business days to receive the adjustment.

We appreciate your loyalty to General Mills and hope you continue to choose our products.

Sincerely,

Kristi Goodman

General Mills

Consumer Services

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Mahee34 Enthusiast
Mahee34
Posted

I mean...did anyone even notice a difference in taste? They didn't make THAT drastic a change that it was substaintially noticeable.....that's ridiculous

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! ;)

Turtle Enthusiast
Turtle
Posted
  • Author

The concern and why we're all so distraught is not about the taste it's that the new boxes of cocoa puffs coming out now say this:

"Boxes Dated Apr 2007 list WHEAT both in the ingredients and the allergy statement line"!

VydorScope Proficient
VydorScope
Posted

Bull.

Wheat is the very last ingredient (or very close to it) in the list, it has no impact on flavor. I know as I do not have celiac disease and I have eaten both, and noticed no difference. BAH.

:angry::angry::angry::angry::angry::angry:

Turtle Enthusiast
Turtle
Posted
  • Author

Thanks again VydorScope for alerting us to this change....you saved a TON of people from getting SICK!

Have a good weekend!

Michi8 Contributor
Michi8
Posted

Typical canned response from GM. I got a similar type of response from Kraft when I asked why they recently removed their webpage that listed gluten-free & DF products. I keep sending them my email with the specific question, and they keep dancing around it...I think I'm going to keep emailing until they respond properly. :D

Michelle

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


VydorScope Proficient
VydorScope
Posted

My reply to GM who also sent me the same reply..

General Mills,

How can ANY change in a product that, especially one without any warning, will make many people extremely ill be "for the better"? Why take a product that was recently made SAFE to consume and make it literally poisonous to a segment of the population? I can not be "loyal" to GM if you continue to make your foods that were once safe, poisonous to my son. How am I to explain to a three year old that his favorite cereal is poison now?

To say I am extremely upset with General Mills right now would be a huge understatement.

:angry::angry::angry::angry::angry::angry::angry:

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Obviously not paying real attention to the compliant--hence the bit on loyalty and continuing to choose our products :blink:

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

My reply was even more pathetic. I wrote her back and said I couldn't eat their products because of the wheat, was she intentionally being rude?

Thank you for contacting General Mills about Cocoa Puffs cereal. We appreciate the time you have taken to share your comments.

We hope you will continue to choose our products.

Sincerely,

Kristi Goodman

General Mills

Consumer Services

2Boys4Me Enthusiast
2Boys4Me
Posted
Dear Miss DuPree:

Thank you for contacting General Mills regarding your dissatisfaction with the recent reformulation of Cocoa Puffs reduced sugar cereal.

Our goal is to give consumers quality products at a good value. Prior to introducing any product, extensive consumer testing is done. We conduct market research and product testing continuously to obtain consumer reaction to existing products and to changes being considered. Only when we feel confident that a product change will broaden its appeal will we alter a product’s formulation. We are sorry that you do not agree that the recent change in Cocoa Puffs reduced sugar cereal was for the better.

We will be sending an adjustment for your purchase to the address you provided. Please allow 7 to 10 business days to receive the adjustment.

We appreciate your loyalty to General Mills and hope you continue to choose our products.

Sincerely,

Kristi Goodman

General Mills

Consumer Services

I was just wondering if you wrote back to Kristi to say you were pleased with the FIRST formula change 6 months ago, it's the new one you're concerned about.

I'm also curious how many people sent in thank you emails when they made the original change from gluten to gluten free vs how many are sending in notes that they are disappointed/angry about the change back.

We can't get Cocoa Puffs in Canada, so we could only get them if my husband could find a gluten-free version in the states when he's there on business.

Mahee34 Enthusiast
Mahee34
Posted
The concern and why we're all so distraught is not about the taste it's that the new boxes of cocoa puffs coming out now say this:

"Boxes Dated Apr 2007 list WHEAT both in the ingredients and the allergy statement line"!

...I realize we're distraught because of the sudden addition to WHEAT at the bottom of the box. I simply meant by my earlier comment....why re-add the wheat? The taste between the first formula and the non gluten free formala was hardly noticeable, so I'm confused as to how this addition of the wheat is considered more popular for their customers, when I honestly believe that most people who aren't gluten free probably never even noticed the change in the formula! I knokw my friends and family certainly didn't, they were even suprised that there was no noticeable change in the taste of cocoa puffs...

hez Enthusiast
hez
Posted

Well, at least you got a response! They have not bothered to contact me :angry: Although maybe it is just as well, it would only anger me further :angry:

Hez

VydorScope Proficient
VydorScope
Posted
Well, at least you got a response! They have not bothered to contact me :angry: Although maybe it is just as well, it would only anger me further :angry:

Hez

Took four days for me to get a reply, so you might get yours yet.

Guest nini
Guest nini
Posted

other than the original canned response that my concern was being forwarded, I haven't heard a thing... what is disturbing is that they don't seem the slightest bit concerned that WHEAT is POISON to so many of us. They don't GET that so many of us would be loyal customers and would buy in mass quantities if they made a safe product. I still haven't had the heart to tell my daughter that they changed the formula again just after finding the safe boxes. So the ones I have on my shelf are probably it for us. I also am running out of the stockpile of Krogers Corn Nuggets (like Corn Pops) that I bought when they changed their formula to include wheat starch. This is ridiculous. Someone has got to make them aware of what they are doing. Alienating an entire group of people for what? An inconsequential taste difference to those people who aren't gluten-free? I don't get it. :angry:

Turtle Enthusiast
Turtle
Posted
  • Author
...I realize we're distraught because of the sudden addition to WHEAT at the bottom of the box. I simply meant by my earlier comment....why re-add the wheat? The taste between the first formula and the non gluten free formala was hardly noticeable, so I'm confused as to how this addition of the wheat is considered more popular for their customers, when I honestly believe that most people who aren't gluten free probably never even noticed the change in the formula! I knokw my friends and family certainly didn't, they were even suprised that there was no noticeable change in the taste of cocoa puffs...

Ok, gotcha! No worries! And I agree that what's the need to add the devil (wheat) back into the cereal when like you said it does't effect the taste! I just don't get it!!

And Nini: I agree!

eKatherine Apprentice
eKatherine
Posted
Our goal is to give consumers quality products at a good value. Prior to introducing any product, extensive consumer testing is done. We conduct market research and product testing continuously to obtain consumer reaction to existing products and to changes being considered. Only when we feel confident that a product change will broaden its appeal will we alter a product’s formulation.

what is disturbing is that they don't seem the slightest bit concerned that WHEAT is POISON to so many of us. They don't GET that so many of us would be loyal customers and would buy in mass quantities if they made a safe product.

They are trying to broaden the appeal of the product. It has nothing to do with taste. They did marketing research that showed them that the number of celiacs who were no longer able to buy the product is smaller than the number of people who will be sucked in by the bogus claim of "multi-grian" because they added wheat starch.

chrissy Collaborator
chrissy
Posted

they sent me a totally different response----i'll see if i can figure out how to post it on here.

Dear Mrs. Heiner:

Thank you for contacting General Mills regarding gluten in our our cereal.

It is our goal to help our consumers determine whether or not they can include our products in their diet. To accurately accomplish this, we believe it is best to refer to the specific ingredients listed on each product package.

However, we do understand that ingredients can be confusing, so we want to assure you if the ingredient label does not list wheat, barley, rye, oats or gluten containing ingredients sourced from these grains, then the product would be gluten-free. Sources of gluten are listed on the label even if the source of gluten is part of another ingredient (such as flavoring or spice). Because ingredients may vary from one package to another due to product reformulation, you should use the product’s ingredient label to provide you with current and accurate information.

Additional information regarding gluten may be obtained by contacting your health care professional or:

Celiac Sprue Association/United States of America, Inc.

PO Box 31700

Omaha, NE 68131-0700

402-558-0600

Or toll free: 877-CSA-4-CSA (877-272-4272)

www.csaceliacs.org

We hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Jenny Path

General Mills

Consumer Services

>Original Message From: kevheiner@msn.com

>

>Originated by Consumer please, please, please, don't take your gluten free cereals away from my celiac daughters!!!!!! it has been so nice to be able to go into any grocery store and buy mainstream cereal for my kids. they really like trix and cocoa puffs. i am so upset that you are changing your formula again!!!!! christine heiner :

VydorScope Proficient
VydorScope
Posted

Chrissy I got that reply in addtion to the other one. I ingore that one though and replied to Kristi.

VydorScope Proficient
VydorScope
Posted

LOL I jsut got a THIRD reply to my orginal email...

Dear Consumer:

Thank you for contacting General Mills about Cocoa Puffs cereal. We appreciate the time you have taken to share your comments.

If there is anything else we can do concerning this manner, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Dew

General Mills

Consumer Services

They get more useless with each reply :lol:

hez Enthusiast
hez
Posted

I finally got a response saying they will respond :P

Hez

Thank you for contacting us.

Your message is being forwarded to a Consumer Services Representative who will review your inquiry and reply. Please be assured that we will respond to you as quickly as we can.

General Mills Consumer Services

floridanative Community Regular
floridanative
Posted

Unless there is a boycott of their products that takes real money out of their pockets, they are not likely to care what anyone who can't eat gluten thinks. This is not good news for us, but true none the less. Same thing is true with all the biggest companies. I do think Kraft wants everyone's business and therefore, at least labels their products so we can clearly know if it's safe for us or not.

BamBam Community Regular
BamBam
Posted

iT'S THE BIG "WHOLE GRAIN" KICK. Somehow adding wheat starch makes it more WHOLE GRAIN?"

Give me a break! I've written them three times and I've asked for my money back on two boxes that I opened. I have yet to get a response.

BamBam

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to pothosqueen's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      16

      Positive biopsy

      In the study linked above, the little girl switched to a gluten free diet and gained enough weight that that fat pad was replenished and surgery was not needed. Here's the full article link... Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in a 6-Year-Old Girl with Final Diagnosis of Celiac Disease https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6476019/
    2. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jordan Carlson's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      Fruits & Veggies

      Hello, @Jordan Carlson, So glad you're feeling better. Tecta is a proton pump inhibitor. PPI's also interfere with the production of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb Vitamin B12. Increasing the amount of B12 you supplement has helped overcome the lack of intrinsic factor needed to absorb B12. Proton pump inhibitors also reduce the...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to pothosqueen's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      16

      Positive biopsy

      @pothosqueen, Welcome to the tribe! You'll want to get checked for nutritional deficiencies and start on supplementation of B vitamins, especially Thiamine Vitamin B 1. There's some scientific evidence that the fat pad that buffers the aorta which disappears in SMA is caused by deficiency in Thiamine. In Thiamine deficiency, the body...
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Inmate with Celiac Disease Wins $630,000 After Jail Denies Gluten-Free Food

    5. trents
      - trents replied to pothosqueen's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      16

      Positive biopsy

      Wow! You're pretty young to have a diagnosis of SMA syndrome. But youth also has its advantages when it comes to healing, without a doubt. You might be surprised to find out how your health improves and how much better you feel once you eliminate gluten from your diet. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that, when gluten is consumed, triggers an...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,020
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Ericaa
    Newest Member
    Ericaa
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Positive biopsy

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      In the study linked above, the little girl switched to a gluten free diet and gained enough weight that that fat pad was replenished and surgery was not needed.   Here's the full article link... Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in a 6-Year-Old Girl with Final Diagnosis of Celiac Disease https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6476019/
    • knitty kitty
      Fruits & Veggies

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Jordan Carlson, So glad you're feeling better.   Tecta is a proton pump inhibitor.  PPI's also interfere with the production of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb Vitamin B12.  Increasing the amount of B12 you supplement has helped overcome the lack of intrinsic factor needed to absorb B12. Proton pump inhibitors also reduce the production of digestive juices (stomach acids).  This results in foods not being digested thoroughly.  If foods are not digested sufficiently, the vitamins and other nutrients aren't released from the food, and the body cannot absorb them.  This sets up a vicious cycle. Acid reflux and Gerd are actually symptoms of producing too little stomach acid.  Insufficient stomach acid production is seen with Thiamine and Niacin deficiencies.  PPI's like Tecta also block the transporters that pull Thiamine into cells, preventing absorption of thiamine.  Other symptoms of Thiamine deficiency are difficulty swallowing, gagging, problems with food texture, dysphagia. Other symptoms of Thiamine deficiency are symptoms of ADHD and anxiety.  Vyvanse also blocks thiamine transporters contributing further to Thiamine deficiency.  Pristiq has been shown to work better if thiamine is supplemented at the same time because thiamine is needed to make serotonin.  Doctors don't recognize anxiety and depression and adult onset ADHD as early symptoms of Thiamine deficiency. Stomach acid is needed to digest Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in fruits and vegetables.  Ascorbic acid left undigested can cause intestinal upsets, anxiety, and heart palpitations.   Yes, a child can be born with nutritional deficiencies if the parents were deficient.  Parents who are thiamine deficient have offspring with fewer thiamine transporters on cell surfaces, making thiamine deficiency easier to develop in the children.  A person can struggle along for years with subclinical vitamin deficiencies.  Been here, done this.  Please consider supplementing with Thiamine in the form TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) which helps immensely with dysphagia and neurological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms.  Benfotiamine helps with improving intestinal health.  A B Complex and NeuroMag (a magnesium supplement), and Vitamin D are needed also.
    • knitty kitty
      Positive biopsy

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @pothosqueen, Welcome to the tribe! You'll want to get checked for nutritional deficiencies and start on supplementation of B vitamins, especially Thiamine Vitamin B 1.   There's some scientific evidence that the fat pad that buffers the aorta which disappears in SMA is caused by deficiency in Thiamine.   In Thiamine deficiency, the body burns its stored fat as a source of fuel.  That fat pad between the aorta and digestive system gets used as fuel, too. Ask for an Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test to look for thiamine deficiency.  Correction of thiamine deficiency can help restore that fat pad.   Best wishes for your recovery!   Interesting Reading: Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in a 6-Year-Old Girl with Final Diagnosis of Celiac Disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31089433/#:~:text=Affiliations,tissue and results in SMAS.  
    • trents
      Positive biopsy

      By trents · Posted

      Wow! You're pretty young to have a diagnosis of SMA syndrome. But youth also has its advantages when it comes to healing, without a doubt. You might be surprised to find out how your health improves and how much better you feel once you eliminate gluten from your diet. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that, when gluten is consumed, triggers an attack on the villous lining of the small bowel. This is the section of the intestines where all our nutrition is absorbed. It is made up of billions of tiny finger-like projections that create a tremendous surface area for absorbing nutrients. For the person with celiac disease, unchecked gluten consumption generates inflammation that wears down these fingers and, over time, greatly reduces the nutrient absorbing efficiency of the small bowel lining. This can generate a whole host of other nutrient deficiency related medical problems. We also now know that the autoimmune reaction to gluten is not necessarily limited to the lining of the small bowel such that celiac disease can damage other body systems and organs such as the liver and the joints and cause neurological problems.  It can take around two years for the villous lining to completely heal but most people start feeling better well before then. It's also important to realize that celiac disease can cause intolerance to some other foods whose protein structures are similar to gluten. Chief among them are dairy and oats but also eggs, corn and soy. Just keep that in mind.
    • pothosqueen
      Positive biopsy

      By pothosqueen · Posted

      26F!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.