Panera Bread

[quincy]

Does anyone know about eating the salads at Panera? I have researched and gotten different opinions. One site says their chicken is marinated with a gluten containing substance etc.

I make sure they change their gloves before they handle my food but I am not sure about the chicken...

[lpellegr]

I would hesitate to eat at Panera simply because they bake bread there with gluten flour, and I would expect the air to be saturated with flour dust, which would contaminate everything there. So eat there if that doesn't bother you, but if you have doubts about any particular food, like the chicken, you are safer skipping it. That's a good general rule for us - if you have doubts, then skip it.

[kareng]

I think the reliable way to find out about the chicken is to ask Panera. Maybe check thier website and ask at the shop? If they don't know, then don't eat it.

[CarolinaKip]

I've had a few different experiences with Panera, which used to be my Sunday lunch spot. When I was newly DX, I asked if they would change gloves because the asst manager on duty refused to make my salad from the back. When I felt ill afterwards the girl who took my order asked if he had, he admitted he had not taken the request serious. That being said, I watched the line servers prepare orders while I waited for my daughters to go order. It didn't really matter if he had changed gloves because the croutons and tortila strips where right beside the lettus. I know others have eaten at panera and been okay. Mine does not bake in the store. I think it really depends on the Manager on duty at the time and what they will do for you. I know mine has a book which tells you what is and isn't gluten free. I would contact them and when it is a slow time, go in and talk to the managers.

Best wishes!

[quincy]

I've had a few different experiences with Panera, which used to be my Sunday lunch spot. When I was newly DX, I asked if they would change gloves because the asst manager on duty refused to make my salad from the back. When I felt ill afterwards the girl who took my order asked if he had, he admitted he had not taken the request serious. That being said, I watched the line servers prepare orders while I waited for my daughters to go order. It didn't really matter if he had changed gloves because the croutons and tortila strips where right beside the lettus. I know others have eaten at panera and been okay. Mine does not bake in the store. I think it really depends on the Manager on duty at the time and what they will do for you. I know mine has a book which tells you what is and isn't gluten free. I would contact them and when it is a slow time, go in and talk to the managers.

Best wishes!

thank you. I think its a risk in the final analysis. I might not get a significant amount of gluten, but it all adds up each day.

Thanks for all the input...

[hexon]

The only thing I can eat at Panera is the black bean and tomato soups. The last three times I've gotten the salad I've gotten stomach cramps within 15-20 minutes, even having asked them to change their gloves. I don't think it really matters that they change their gloves anyways, since they put their hands in the different ingredients for the people in front of you. I know some people have been ok with their salads, but you'll have to use your own discretion.