Deli Meat?

[Grace'smom]

Hey there everyone

So I am THRILLED that my 6 yr old has pretty much lost the taste for gluten, and is now trying new foods. Her lunch for years never went beyond a peanut butter and jelly. For the past two weeks, she's been thrilled to discover that she likes sliced turkey. I did my homework and found that Sarah Lee turkey, our local supermarket's home brand of turkey, Deitz and Watson and Boar's head all offer gluten free turkey. As I was standing at the deli yesterday watching them prepare my order, suddenly my heart lurched as I realized that the gluten free meat I'm buying could likely be contaminated because of the deli's meat slicer. I cannot believe this did not occur to me in my excitement over the fact that she now likes turkey deli meat. Any suggestions for how I can allow her to continue to eat this new lunch food without the risk of contamination? Are most deli meats gluten free, or do I have to eliminate all deli meat because of the risk for cross contamination? Maybe I can only buy the pre-packaged kind for her that has a gluten free label? Any recommendations there would be appreciated... Emily

[kareng]

My store told me 98% of what they slice is gluten-free but to be sure I had to come at 6am to get a clean slicer. I like Hormel Natural. It's with the already slice meats. They have a roast turkey & chicken, smoked turkey (our fav), salami. Yum and low cal - 3 slices about 50-60 calories. I know how it is when your kid likes something and they don't like a lot else. You jump at any new food. I have a 17 year old boy who ate his weight twice over in pb. He is 6 ft and 175 lbs of muscle so pb isn't too bad.

[Grace'smom]

My store told me 98% of what they slice is gluten-free but to be sure I had to come at 6am to get a clean slicer. I like Hormel Natural. It's with the already slice meats. They have a roast turkey & chicken, smoked turkey (our fav), salami. Yum and low cal - 3 slices about 50-60 calories. I know how it is when your kid likes something and they don't like a lot else. You jump at any new food. I have a 17 year old boy who ate his weight twice over in pb. He is 6 ft and 175 lbs of muscle so pb isn't too bad.

Thanks Karen! Will try the Hormel. And I loved the pb comment at the end! You're right - it is a great food, I was just happy to add something new to the mix. Good to hear he's done so well on it though!!

[Mizzo]

Emily,

If you explain that you have a celiac disease child to the manager and ask that your order is done and put aside for you 1st thing in the morning after cleaning I bet they will do it. I am finding just how accommodating people will be if asked. If they say no, no loss.

[Grace'smom]

Emily,

If you explain that you have a celiac disease child to the manager and ask that your order is done and put aside for you 1st thing in the morning after cleaning I bet they will do it. I am finding just how accommodating people will be if asked. If they say no, no loss.

Wow -- what a great idea! Never thought of that. So I'll have to find out when the slicers are cleaned and ask them to prepare the order right afterwards. Thank you so much. I'll ask for the deli mgrs at both markets where I shop and see if one of them is willing to work with us. Appreciate the suggestion more than you know, Emily

[Beth03456]

We generally get the pre-packaged deli meats, just to avoid potential cross-contamination from the counter. Also my kids like the Hormel pepperoni as a snack.

[Grace'smom]

Emily,

If you explain that you have a celiac disease child to the manager and ask that your order is done and put aside for you 1st thing in the morning after cleaning I bet they will do it. I am finding just how accommodating people will be if asked. If they say no, no loss.

And you were right! They told me at the market tonight that the slicers are cleaned every night. If I call my order in at night, they'll prepare ours first thing in the morning before any other orders are done. Thank you so much for giving me that great tip, my little girl will be so happy to continue eating her newfound fave food!