Carnation Breakfast Essentials (instant Breakfast)

[StacyA]

When I first went gluten-free this summer, I was able to use the powdered Carnation Instant Breakfast (now called 'Breakfast Essentials') every single morning. However the last time I bought a new container I noticed after a week that I had what I think are my glutened symptoms (back pain, irritability). The Carnation website says all powders (except 'malt' flavored) are gluten-free, but the label gives the disclaimer that it is 'processed in a facility' or 'may contain traces of' - I forget which. So I emailed them asking if they test the finished product off the processing line, or if cc is always a risk. (I know sometimes it depends on when a batch is made in a week as to how much cc may occur.) This is the response I got today, Dec. 21:

"In response to your inquiry, yes, the Chocolate Malt flavor is the only flavor containing barley malt, which would contain some gluten. The other flavors in the powders are made on the same lines as the Chocolate Malt, which does increase the slight chance of any cross-contamination of gluten. We do take all precautions in minimizing any gluten coming in contact with the other flavors but cannot guarantee they be gluten free. Also, we do not test the amount of gluten in the flavors. If you are highly sensitive to gluten, we recommend you not use the Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials drinks. Please speak with your physician for more information.

For a completely gluten free nutritional drink, we would like to bring to your attention the all Boost nutritional drinks are gluten free. There is also no risk of cross-contamination as the Boost products are made in a separate facility."