Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Problem With P F Chang?

mbrookes

By mbrookes
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

mbrookes Community Regular
mbrookes
Posted

Yesterday I ate from the gluten free menu at P F Chang's. I had their version of General Tso's chicken (can't remember what they called it) Within two hours I realized something was very wrong.

I had not eaten anything except frpm my own gluten free kitchen for several days, so I'm sure that was the source.

Has anyone else had a problem there?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


JSegura226 Apprentice
JSegura226
Posted

Yesterday I ate from the gluten free menu at P F Chang's. I had their version of General Tso's chicken (can't remember what they called it) Within two hours I realized something was very wrong.

I had not eaten anything except frpm my own gluten free kitchen for several days, so I'm sure that was the source.

Has anyone else had a problem there?

last week, the day before I realized I needed whole foods to start my gluten-free diet, my wife and I decided to order take out from PF chang's gluten-free menu. We ordered gluten-free chicken fried rice, and the gluten-free lemon scallops. This was our first attempt at ordering gluten-free foods from a restraunt.. well long story short.. they gave me low mein instead of chicken fried rice and slapped a GLUTEN FREE sticker on it!! I looked at the menu and realized low mein was not even on the gluten-free menu... My wife went back, got our rice and came back home saying that the waiter apologized over and over and explained that the chef handed him the wrong plate. They claim they have a high standard in gluten-free and allergy protocols but after googling some reviews I don't think I will ever go back.

I did end up eating the rice and had some of the worst cramps and belly aches I have ever experienced.

GlutenGladi8or Apprentice
GlutenGladi8or
Posted

Yesterday I ate from the gluten free menu at P F Chang's. I had their version of General Tso's chicken (can't remember what they called it) Within two hours I realized something was very wrong.

I had not eaten anything except frpm my own gluten free kitchen for several days, so I'm sure that was the source.

Has anyone else had a problem there?

I was GLUTENED horribly by the Manhattan Beach, CA location about a year ago. I wrote them a letter just after, but haven't been back yet.

I think that corporate cares about us Celiacs, but the servers are uneducated about what gluten does to us.

Darissa Contributor
Darissa
Posted

We eat at PFChangs all the time. We live in Arizona, and have had no problems, but we have also eaten at the resturants in California, Utah, Missouri and other states. Please try again. Normally they are very careful. Gluten free dishes should all come out on a round plate, that says PFChangs right on the plate. It is a different plate than the regular dishes come out on. Please try again! It is our number 1 go to resturant, especially when traveling. I hope your next experience is better!

mbrookes Community Regular
mbrookes
Posted
  • Author

I called and talked to the manager. He went over thye steps that they take to assure safety, and I do realize that sometimes accidents happen. He promised to talk to the staff again about the importance of keeping food strictly separate.

I will try again. I had eaten there before with no problem.

hnybny91 Rookie
hnybny91
Posted

If it were not for PF Changs I would probably never eat out. I have been there numerous times since going gluten free three months ago and never had a problem. So sorry you had a bad experience :(

GlutenGladi8or Apprentice
GlutenGladi8or
Posted

So sorry you had a bad experience :(

A bad experience is.... well... bad. But when someone (or corporation) fumbles, it's good that there are SO many passionate Celiacs who take the time to write to the company or even speak to the manager. It gives them an opportunity to improve. In fact, I can guarantee that the plate/shape policy for all Gluten Free items was a result from a number of complaints. Hence, they changed their ways.

So, keep eating at PF Chang's these days. But if someone gives you a time machine to go back the era when they didn't take it so serious or get enough complaints from their customers... don't go back in time.

Guess I was one of the guinea pigs for the team!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


  • 2 weeks later...
HS7474 Apprentice
HS7474
Posted

Aww, so sorry it didn't go well! I adore PF Changs and have not had an issue there yet, myself. I believe I've been twice while gluten-free. My husband does not eat gluten-free and even though he ordered an item that appeared on the gluten-free menu, when I asked the waitress if it was she apologized and said it was not and would we like one that was. I had only wanted to taste so did refuse but she certainly seemed well trained on the issue. Better luck eating out next time! It's always so frustrating when it doesn't work out :(

jena829 Newbie
jena829
Posted

I love PF Change gluten-free, but it is so sad how they can't be consistent at varying locations. :( The Austin, TX PF Change is wonderful, but reading the above posts makes me nervous to check out another!

  • 2 months later...
shayre Enthusiast
shayre
Posted

I've had good experiences in Indianpolis too. They are also my #1 restaurant. I order take out twice per month. I did get glutened once, but I didn't know if it was glutened or food intolerance. What happened was that I was dining in the restaurant and the wait staff and manager told me that the gluten-free calamari was safe for me. I told her that I didn't have that option before. She assured me that it was safe. When it was brought out...it had these little crunchy sticks all over the calamari. I shrieked, and went to get the manager. Again...she assured me that they were safe and made from rice. I ate it up! It was soooo yummy. Then I got sick. I didn't know exactly why. I dropped it and never ordered anything different again. Then one day I called up for carry out, and it's usually the same girl. I don't even have to say my name anymore...she remembers the "gluten-free df sf girl". Well, I ordered the gluten-free calamari again for my hubby. She thought that it was for me and said..."oh no! That's not safe for you!" What? I said "hmmm the manager told me that it was safe when I had it before". She said asked me if I got sick? YEP!!! I don't know why the confusion there? Anyway, I only order the same thing everytime and I'm never sick. Btw...if you need to be gluten, dairy and soy free. The only thing that you can eat is the lemon chicken with broccoli. I order it with brown rice and sub snow peas for broccoli. It is yummy. I order off of the gluten-free menu but tell them to mark down soy and dairy allergy too. 9 times out of 10 they still put wrapped fortune cookies and gluten-free soy sauce in the bag. I guess that you can't expect perfection...

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

They put the fortune cookies in because people complain that they want the fortune, even if they can't eat the cookie.

ECUmom3 Explorer
ECUmom3
Posted

Yesterday I ate from the gluten free menu at P F Chang's. I had their version of General Tso's chicken (can't remember what they called it) Within two hours I realized something was very wrong.

I had not eaten anything except frpm my own gluten free kitchen for several days, so I'm sure that was the source.

Has anyone else had a problem there?

I'm so sorry that you had a bad experience. PF Chang's is my go to restaurant (however, I have only eaten at one location). If it were not for them I don't know what I would do. With that being said, it could be that your GI system is very sensitive to spicy foods. I know that is the case with me. I've been gluten-free for several months and still cannot tolerate spicy food, tomatoes, or watermelon. I guess it just takes time to heal. I hope that you will give them another try.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens. I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium. I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells. When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly. This is safe...
    2. Jane02
      - Jane02 replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency. I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hello, @Jane02, I take Naturewise D 3. It contains olive oil. Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets. Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking. Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the...
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Penobscot Bay, Maine: Nurturing Gluten-Free Wellness Retreat with expert celiac dietitian, Melinda Dennis

      until
      Hello! Join me and treat yourself to a four-day, three-night restorative gluten-free retreat in a peaceful, private coastal retreat setting near Penobscot Bay in Maine. Dates: April 10-13, 2026 Enjoy engaging classes...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      9

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,331
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Kristy2026
    Newest Member
    Kristy2026
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jane02, I hear you about the kale and collard greens.  I don't do dairy and must eat green leafies, too, to get sufficient calcium.  I must be very careful because some calcium supplements are made from ground up crustacean shells.  When I was deficient in Vitamin D, I took high doses of Vitamin D to correct the deficiency quickly.  This is safe and nontoxic.  Vitamin D level should be above 70 nmol/L.  Lifeguards and indigenous Pacific Islanders typically have levels between 80-100 nmol/L.   Levels lower than this are based on amount needed to prevent disease like rickets and osteomalacia. We need more thiamine when we're physically ill, emotionally and mentally stressed, and if we exercise like an athlete or laborer.  We need more thiamine if we eat a diet high in simple carbohydrates.  For every 500 kcal of carbohydrates, we need 500-1000 mg more of thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  If there's insufficient thiamine the carbs get stored as fat.  Again, recommended levels set for thiamine are based on minimum amounts needed to prevent disease.  This is often not adequate for optimum health, nor sufficient for people with absorption problems such as Celiac disease.  Gluten free processed foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Adding a B Complex and additional thiamine improves health for Celiacs.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine helps the mitochondria in cells to function.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins.  They are all water soluble and easily excreted if not needed. Interesting Reading: Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/ Safety and effectiveness of vitamin D mega-dose: A systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857184/ High dose dietary vitamin D allocates surplus calories to muscle and growth instead of fat via modulation of myostatin and leptin signaling https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38766160/ Safety of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31746327/ Vitamins and Celiac Disease: Beyond Vitamin D https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11857425/ Investigating the therapeutic potential of tryptophan and vitamin A in modulating immune responses in celiac disease: an experimental study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40178602/ Investigating the Impact of Vitamin A and Amino Acids on Immune Responses in Celiac Disease Patients https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814138/
    • Jane02
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Jane02 · Posted

      Thank you so much @knitty kitty for this insightful information! I would have never considered fractionated coconut oil to be a potential source of GI upset. I will consider all the info you shared. Very interesting about the Thiamine deficiency.  I've tracked daily averages of my intake in a nutrition software. The only nutrient I can't consistently meet from my diet is vitamin D. Calcium is a hit and miss as I rely on vegetables, dark leafy greens as a major source, for my calcium intake. I'm able to meet it when I either eat or juice a bundle of kale or collard greens daily haha. My thiamine intake is roughly 120% of my needs, although I do recognize that I may not be absorbing all of these nutrients consistently with intermittent unintentional exposures to gluten.  My vitamin A intake is roughly 900% (~6400 mcg/d) of my needs as I eat a lot of sweet potato, although since it's plant-derived vitamin A (beta-carotene) apparently it's not likely to cause toxicity.  Thanks again! 
    • knitty kitty
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Jane02,  I take Naturewise D 3.  It contains olive oil.   Some Vitamin D supplements, like D Drops, are made with fractionated coconut oil which can cause digestive upsets.  Fractionated coconut oil is not the same as coconut oil used for cooking.  Fractionated coconut oil has been treated for longer shelf life, so it won't go bad in the jar, and thus may be irritating to the digestive system. I avoid supplements made with soy because many people with Celiac Disease also react to soy.  Mixed tocopherols, an ingredient in Thornes Vitamin D, may be sourced from soy oil.  Kirkland's has soy on its ingredient list. I avoid things that might contain or be exposed to crustaceans, like Metagenics says on its label.  I have a crustacean/shellfish/fish allergy.  I like Life Extension Bioactive Complete B Complex.  I take additional Thiamine B 1 in the form Benfotiamine which helps the intestines heal, Life Extension MegaBenfotiamine. Thiamine is needed to activate Vitamin D.   Low thiamine can make one feel like they are getting glutened after a meal containing lots of simple carbohydrates like white rice, or processed gluten free foods like cookies and pasta.   It's rare to have a single vitamin deficiency.  The water soluble B Complex vitamins should be supplemented together with additional Thiamine in the form Benfotiamine and Thiamine TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) to correct subclinical deficiencies that don't show up on blood tests.  These are subclinical deficiencies within organs and tissues.  Blood is a transportation system.  The body will deplete tissues and organs in order to keep a supply of thiamine in the bloodstream going to the brain and heart.   If you're low in Vitamin D, you may well be low in other fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin K. Have you seen a dietician?
    • Scott Adams
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I do not know this, but since they are labelled gluten-free, and are not really a product that could easily be contaminated when making them (there would be not flour in the air of such a facility, for example), I don't really see contamination as something to be concerned about for this type of product. 
    • trents
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By trents · Posted

      Contact them.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.