Is It Safe To Eat

[Bioteach]

Hi-- I've just joined, but have been gluten free for about three years. I manage OK, but sometimes find myself in unexpected situations where I sit and watch others eat, because there is nothing safe for me to eat (a friend's son made Eagle Scout and they served a buffet lunch-- fried chicken, all ready made sandwiches, pasta salad...). I'm cautious and don't eat if I doubt the safety of the food-- someone offered to peel the fried coating off the chicken. Would this be safe to eat or would the breading get into the juices of the chicken? Has anyone had any experience with this? Gluten free for years and I still have pity parties-- but I've got to eat! Thanks for any experiences. Bioteach

[Ursa Major]

I'm afraid that eating chicken with the fried coating peeled off is not safe. It won't be possible to peel it off without getting some of it onto the meat, even if you can't see it.

When you have to attend functions like that, you need to either bring your own food, or make sure they will have something you can safely eat.

You can also bring something you can share, like a potato salad and a dessert (make sure you serve yourself first).

[Phyllis28]

No the peeled Fried Chicken is not safe to eat. I do the one or a combination of the following to prevent having to sit and watch everyone eat while I am hungry:

1) Inquire in advance about what food will be available.

2) Eat before I go.

3) Bring my own food.

Mentally I have disassociated food as part of a social activity. I go to social activities to enjoy the people not the food.

[Bioteach]

No the peeled Fried Chicken is not safe to eat. I do the one or a combination of the following to prevent having to sit and watch everyone eat while I am hungry:

1) Inquire in advance about what food will be available.

2) Eat before I go.

3) Bring my own food.

Mentally I have disassociated food as part of a social activity. I go to social activities to enjoy the people not the food.

Phyllis28-- I usually do all the things you suggested-- I just didn't realize that there would be food served at the function, I was caught unprepared. thanks, Bioteach

[SchnauzerMom]

I made the mistake of peeling the skin off of a piece (actually several pieces) of fried chicken thinking that I could get away with it. Didn't work, paid for it later.

[home-based-mom]

I made the mistake of peeling the skin off of a piece (actually several pieces) of fried chicken thinking that I could get away with it. Didn't work, paid for it later.

I did the same thing with pizza - peeled the toppings off the crust. That doesn't work either.

[kbtoyssni]

I don't attempt to eat any of the food at buffet-style events. Even a safe food would likely get contaminated in a situation like this. Bring your own food so you can ensure your safety.