Question About Coldcuts From Supermarket/deli

[Dolcenotte]

i just realized that even if I eat gluten free coldcuts - Boarshead, Thuman's Hormel, etc, that they will be sliced on the same slicer as everything that contains gluten. Will having them wipe it with a rag (probably a dirty gluten filled one too, ick!) What are your experiences? Also, even if it is pre-packaged and labelled gluten free, how do we know they cut the meat on a clean slicer? If they labelled it as such, are we supposed to understand that they did indeed take safe measures to not contaminate us? Very curious.

[happygirl]

Tell them you have allergies, and would like the slicer wiped down and sanitized. They will usually get out paper towels and spray it off, and clean it. Watch them do it---and if you aren't comfortable with it, then either ask them to do something else, or don't purchase lunchmeat from them.

We request it and the employees have always been happy to help.

[CCM]

I just wanted to say I have had the same experience. The deli counter where I shop will also clean a slicer if the clerk is switching to an uncured "all natural" product, which I did not realize (nice!). It also gives me the chance to educate clerks to the importance of the "gluten free" label on the meats so they will better understand when the next gluten free person shops there.

[kevsmom]

I don't trust them. I buy the Hormel presliced deli that says right on the package "GLUTEN FREE" .

[Moongirl]

I don't trust them. I buy the Hormel presliced deli that says right on the package "GLUTEN FREE" .

I also stick to the prepackaged, its safer in more than one way! Actually it beats waiting at the deli counter too!

[jerseyangel]

I also suggest buying the prepackaged cold cuts--there are several brands that state gluten-free on the labels. Personally, I wouldn't trust having them sliced at the Deli.

[Dolcenotte]

I also suggest buying the prepackaged cold cuts--there are several brands that state gluten-free on the labels. Personally, I wouldn't trust having them sliced at the Deli.

Yeah, I've been buying applegate farms brand, very tasty, also very expensive for a small amount, but it is what it is! Am I crazy or has anyone else been breaking the bank since finding out they have celiac disease? I have no more money and am resorting to my credit card to do my food shopping! I spend tons of money food shopping, its beyond how much money I make!

[karmalaw]

Yeah, I've been buying applegate farms brand, very tasty, also very expensive for a small amount, but it is what it is! Am I crazy or has anyone else been breaking the bank since finding out they have celiac disease? I have no more money and am resorting to my credit card to do my food shopping! I spend tons of money food shopping, its beyond how much money I make!

IMO, The real key to eating well with celiac disease is to change the way you eat.. to not try to recreate your old diet, but to embrace a whole new world of foods.

The only time I spend more money than on a non-gluten-free diet is when buying 1) bread mixes or bread 2) cookies/crackers.. etc. so I do that sparingly -- I order the products by the case from Lame Advertisement -- have them set up on subscription delivery for the extra savings.... and order in the frequency that stays within my budget.

I rarely eat sandwiches.. but, for example, I'll switch was once a sandwich into a "bowl" type dish. For example, I made pulled pork barbecue this weekend -- in my slow-cooker -- it'll last a week... the pulled pork gets put into a bowl and tasty homemade coleslaw put on top... heavenly!

I often use corn tortillas to make quesadillas... an entire package of tortillas is much cheaper than a loaf of gluten-free bread -- and lasts much longer.

I use masa harina precocido (found in MANY grocery stores -- it's a pre-cooked corn flour) to make arepas (yummy and easy!), and I use the masa harina to make a tasty coating for fried foods.

I'll roast or buy a rotisserie chicken and use that for my sandwich makings... except I often make tostadas instead of sandwiches.. from the $1.99 package of crispy tostada shells.