Edible Film

[JoeB]

I haven't seen much written regarding whether edible films used in food and medicines are gluten-free. I've only done a little research on the subject and found that in addition to medicines, edible films are used for coatings on foods, like the glaze on hams. The films can be made from a number of substances, including wheat. The problem is that these ingredients aren't always disclosed on the product.

Recently, I bought Listerine Breath Strips. Before using them, I emailed the company and received the following response. It was obvious that edible film was used in this product, but I'd like to know if anyone else has information about products where the use of edible film is not that obvious.

Thank you for contacting McNeil-PPC, Inc., makers of LISTERINE POCKETPAKS

[lovegrov]

This is your basic CYA statement. Based on this, I'd use them.

richard

[G-FreeGirl]

I was going to post about the Listerine breath spray (the little green bottle) but then I saw your post. I also contacted the company about the spray and got the exact same response. Now I'm afraid to use them!

[psawyer]

As Richard said, this is a standard CYA disclaimer. What they are saying is that there is no gluten intentionally included in the product, and they follow Good Manufacturing Processes. However, they do not test for gluten contamination in the ingredients they buy, so they cannot make a guarantee--that would expose them to legal liability (a suit) as a result of an error by an unrelated third party.

Get used to these disclaimers. They are the new normal from mainstream companies. The products are safe to use.