Candy Causing Irritated Throat

[bonsais]

I left work today after ingesting some candy a co-worker brought in to share from her trip to Orlando. Possibly some may have been coated with a gluten substance that prevents candy from becoming sticky. My throat became irritated and I started coughing. My eyes became watery then I got a headache. Later I ended up in the pottie room!

Be careful with what looks tasty and innocent!!!!! Anyone else have this happen to them?

[psawyer]

The candy might have contained gluten in the form of malted barley, a sweetener. It is highly unlikely to have been coated in gluten. Gluten is sticky--using it would have to opposite of the desired effect. I have seen finely powdered sugar used that way.

[bonsais]

The candy might have contained gluten in the form of malted barley, a sweetener. It is highly unlikely to have been coated in gluten. Gluten is sticky--using it would have to opposite of the desired effect. I have seen finely powdered sugar used that way.

Yes, that's a high possibility. Some candies are manufactured on machinery that may have a powdery substance used to keep the candy itself from becoming sticky such as a flour base? If that's not the case these days any longer than perhaps the barley is the issue. Thank you!

Brachs candy was a no no a few years ago too.

[psawyer]

No, flour would not work--when damp it gets sticky. Cornstarch is possible, but the most likely candidate would be cellulose powder. It imparts no flavor and is allergen-free.

[Terry Ambrose]

I was diagnosed with Celiac disease 10 years ago and have been gluten free ever since. My #1 rule is that if I can't read the label, it doesn't go in my mouth. I've passed up a lot of yummy looking candy over the years because there wasn't a label or I didn't know 100% for sure that it was okay. It just too long to recover from a transgression.

Terry