Gf Chinese Cooking

[terri]

I have been searching for a gluten-free Black bean sauce as it's a key ingredient in my Kung Pao Chicken. I finally found one by Sun Luck that looked promising. I wrote them and thought I would share their response.

Thank you for your email.

The products we have that are made from gluten-free ingredients:

Plum Sauce

Black Bean Garlic Sauce*

Peanut-Free:

Hoisin Sauce

Canned goods - are packed in water or brine (imported from overseas)

*Although there is no sufficient data of adverse allergic reaction to soybeans, it is advised to take caution when using black bean garlic sauce due to the high amount of soybeans in the product and the fermentation process similar to soy sauce.

We do not make any gluten-free claims on our labels because our products are co-packed in plants where other items are produced. Co-packing plants are plants that make different products for several different brands. Since we cannot control the other products/brands that are produced in these plants, we do not consider our products to be 100% gluten-free. The machinery in these plants are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each product is made - but we understand that people who are gluten, and peanut, intolerant can be affected by the smallest traces.

If you are very sensitive I would suggest that you do not use our products. You might try either Whole Foods www.wholefoods.com or Trader Joes www.traderjoes.com stores for gluten-free products.

I hope this information is what you were looking for.

Sincerely,

Amy M.

Sun Luck, Inc.

----- Original Message -----

From: Terri

To: sunluckinc@earthlink.net

Sent: Friday, August 13, 2004 8:42 AM

Subject: Black Bean Garlic Sauce

Hello, can you please tell me if your SunLuck Black Bean Garlic Sauce is gluten free? I have Celiac Disease and cannot consume gluten. The only ingredient you have listed that I question is the Caramel Coloring. Other than that it looks fine to me. As I can no longer eat out in Asian restaurants I must do my own oriental cooking and Black Bean sauce is essential to many dishes.

Thank you so much!

Terri

Now I am thinking of trying it. I made a dish with La Choy Sweet and Sour sauce and had no reaction, but of course that's not really the same. Anyhow, it should be okay????