Gf Rice Crackers - Strange Label

[glen4cindy]

I have been eating crackers from this package that was labeled as GLUTEN-FREE. Since discovering my intolerance to gluten, I have tried to find products that I can use to continue to enjoy some of the things I used to enjoy without the gluten. One of those items is crackers with my chili. (Not that it's important, but, I liked dipping Club Crackers into the chili).

I found a package of Cheddar Rice Crackers, and I am sorry I don't have the specific name or brand because I have already discarded the package. I purchased this at eith Whole Foods Market, or a store called The Green Earth Grocery.

I didn't notice until the third or 4th time I was eating them that the following phrase was on the package: NO ADDED WHEAT

This really shocked me becuase it is also labeled as being Gluten Free. I looked on the back of the package and there was a warning similar to the peanut warning stating that no wheat or wheat containing additives were in the crackers, but, that they were produced in a factory that also produces wheat containing products. This was prefaced by the words: "To our customers who are sensitive to wheat"

It's hard enough to shop for products that will enable us to maintain gluten free dites, but, I would never have dreamed that I would need to examine a label on a product labeled as gluten-free as carefully as I have to review other products.

Has anyone ran into this too? As far as I am concerned, these are now going to be off limits to me because I had a bad few days after eating these. I know the chili was safe because my wife has begun to prepare most of our meals with main dishes that are gluten-free to make meal prep easier.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[celiac3270]

It's gluten-free and wheat-free. I know those crackers--I eat them pretty often. They're Edwards and Sons Brown Rice Snaps (cheddar). It is confusing, but I've seen a couple of products labeled that way.

[MySuicidalTurtle]

I know what you mean about how much we have to look into what we are eating. Even the littles gluten bothers me. It is a pain having to wipe down counters and washing hands all the time but it's woth it. I really have a problem with companies who say their products are gluten-free yet made withnon-gluten-free items and only the people who are extremely sensitive should stay away. To me, that is not gluten-free.

[Boojca]

I think that you will probably see this more and more, or things being labeled as gluten-free less and less. That statement was purely a CYA statement their lawyers suggested they put on to cover themselves from being sued should someone have a reaction from cross-contamination. Sigh...such is life in a sue-happy society....

Bridget

[higgins]

Hi folks, I was diagnosed in August 2003. Up to that point my life had been a continuous run to the bathroom. Once I stopped the gluten, my symptoms cleared up in a matter of a few days. Then, the hunt for gluten-free food began. I found those purportedly gluten-free crackers in the store (the package was covered with "Gluten Free" stickers) and for the next year and a half I relied on those things. For some odd reason, I remained symptomatic - those crackers were the LAST things I suspected. About a month ago, I quit them, and my symptoms have gone away entirely. Those idiots who put misleading labels on products should be held accountable.

Richard

[celiac3270]

Hmmm...that's disturbing...no more of those for me for awhile and maybe I'll contact the company to ask about cross contamination and how conscientious they are about keeping gluten out of their products.

[sspitzer5]

I think I am reacting to these crackers too. I didn't have time for lunch yesterday, so I grabbed a handful of the gluten-free vegetable crackers. They taste great. But, within about an hour (my typical reaction time), I stated having symptoms of having eaten gluten. I felt fine prior to eating them and they are they only thing I ate, so I guess I'll scratch them from my list for a while. They are the Edward and Sons brand mentioned above.

Susan