You Have To Be Assertive

[Di-gfree]

... which isn't the easiest thing for me, since I have anxiety and panic attack issues (re: social situations). But, today I went grocery shopping and while in the gluten-free section, I noticed at the end of the shelf, it was stocked with bags of regular organic wheat flour. The outside of the bags, of course, had flour all over them. Plus, the bags were underneath the air circulation fan. Of course, next to the wheat flour was all the gluten-free products.

So, after hedging, I called the woman over who is in charge of that section, and explained the situation to her. She didn't know what I meant, at first; but realized eventually that I was concerned about cross-contamination. She said she'd remove the flour. I went back to the store tonight to run in for something, and the flour had been removed. Which I'm happy about. But still, you'd think they'd be aware of these things since it is a section for gluten-free foods.

Also what bugs me is that everytime I go in, I have to get them to clean off the conveyor belts because I can see flour, etc. on them. And, I've spoken to many people in the store about it, including an assistant manager. I think I'll email the head office about it. I've become quite anxious about grocery shopping, to be honest. I find it pretty stressful to have to be so diligent. Never mind what I'm like at home. It's really exhausting, at times!

[huevo-no-bueno]

I hear you. I'm frustrated with a similar--although not as bad--situation at a local chain in my area. They have the Sesmark crackers in the gluten-free section (Sesmark are not gluten-free and I've reacted to them) with a big tag hanging off the price tag that says "GLUTEN FREE ITEM!" Well, goody goody. That could really mess people up. I wonder what sort of liability they might all be exposing themselves to? Or are we to eat at our own risk everywhere?