Malt Extract Gf?

[Racheleona]

Hello everyone,

I went to a natural foods convention, and found this one vendor that had these nut bars called "go natural bars" I had never seen them before and asked if they were gluten free. The lady said yes. But, to be sure I found there website and saw the ingredients of there bars, and it listed malt extract. SO I contacted the company and they said there bars are gluten free! (They are based in Canada) I was curious if you guys agree with this?? This is the email I got:

Hi Rachel,

I definitely understand your concerns and if you do not feel comfortable with

the product, then of course I wouldn't suggest you eating it. However the

ingredients contain Malt Extract which is a very small quantity of the barley.

So, the bar is in fact Gluten Free. Please see below for a description of the

information. Again, the decision is up to you, and I do thank you for your

interest in the Go Natural Bar.

Regards,

Moe

Gluten in Malt Extract

In simple terms malt extract is made from soaking grain(usually barley) in water

and following enzymatic activity the resulting liquor is made into a syrup.

Although malt extract can sometimes contain a very small amount of gluten, when

you take into consideration the very small quantity of malt extract used in a

multi ingredient product with the dilution factor of the other ingredients it

does not cause the nitrogen content to exceed the limit set by the Codex

Alimentarius.

The Coeliac Society (UK) permit the use of malt extract in cereal production,

stating in their Gluten Free Food & Drink directory;

"For the majority of Coeliacs food containing malt extract flavourings can be

included in the diet. As Coeliacs have different levels of tolerance, there may

be a few super sensitive, who might benefit from omitting these extracts from

their diet."

[Guest jhmom]

According to this website and the "forbidden food list" Malt Extract is NOT safe.

Forbidden List - Foods and Ingredients Not Safe for a Gluten-Free Diet

I hope this helps.

[Nadtorious]

I think I know exactly which bars you're talking about-did they say "gluten free" right on the package? I bought one two years ago, right after I was diagnosed, just going off the front of the package. After taking two bites, I decided to read the ingredients, and to my horror found barley malt! I e-mailed the company and they basically gave me the same response as you got. How stupid are companies??????

Nadia