Wellshire Kids' Gluten-free Products Have Gluten!

[Kibbie]

Have you guys read this article in the Open Original Shared Link

[Lisa]

Have you guys read this article in the Open Original Shared Link

That story made the AP wires. I read about here first, then in my local paper this morning. Quite disheartening isn't it? I would like to think there are only a few, among thousands of careful companies.

[A&Z'S MOM]

its a really scary world out there.It simply reconfirms my stand at home,that i should limit exposure to any kind of processed food and stick to everything home made.Which is so much work.If only these companies realised if they clean up their acts there is so much money to be made!!!!!!!

[JennyC]

I am furious! There were rumors about this earlier this spring, so I called Wellshire Kids. I was told that they test their products and they come back as negative. My son eats their dinosaur chicken nuggets all the time, multiple times per week! This may help to explain his high-normal tTG last May. I refuse to buy their products until they get this under control--if ever!

From the article:

Gluten found in 'gluten-free' products

The Tribune bought three popular Wellshire Farms products advertised as "gluten free" and sent multiple samples to a lab for testing.

Chicken Bites: Tested at 204 parts per million and 260 ppm

Chicken Corn Dogs: Tested at 116 ppm and 2,200 ppm

Beef Corn Dogs: Tested at 191 ppm and 1,200 ppm

Wellshire Farms provided the Tribune with its own testing results, conducted in the spring. Their results showed: chicken nuggets tested at 200 ppm, chicken corn dogs 150 ppm, and beef corn dogs 120 ppm.

[blueeyedmanda]

A few years ago I bought their chicken nuggets and was very disappointed. I have not since bought them.

[taweavmo3]

This is so frustrating!!!!!! I buy these occasionally, as a treat for my kids. It infuriates me that this company has totally taken away my choice as a parent as to how much poison goes into my child. Same with Rice Dream. "Gluten Free" should be just that, period. Anyway, thanks for the heads up. That's why I luuuurve this board so much!

[Darn210]

Arrrrggghhhh!!! <insert many expletives here!!!!!> I just bought these and fed them to my daughter less than a week ago!!! And WHOLE FOODS who will no longer sell Kinnikinnick because of "ingredient issues" is leaving them on their shelves!!!

[JennyC]

Ok. I just got off the phone with Wellshire. Apparently, they only need to comply with the USDA, meaning their products have to be under 200 ppm. In light of the upcoming FDA definition of gluten free, and maybe also the anaphylactic reactions, they are making steps to comply with the presumed FDA definition of gluten free, which will likely be 20 ppm. Apparently they have been aware of this problem and have not made new product since June 2008. They are switching manufacture plants, and they hope to be up in running sometime in January. Each day they will manufacture product, they will be the only product made, and they will swab test the lines to be sure that they are under 20 ppm. Apparently still not dedicated lines?!

Can we trust them again?

I was thinking about never buying this product again, but then I started to think that most products we buy, especially mainstream, may very well have gluten amounts equal or above the recent Wellshire value. How likely is it that microwave popcorn is under 20 ppm? What about cocoa pebbles? I feel really confused right now.

[Generic]

Phewie! I had these a few years ago and had gotten sick around that time, but didn't put two and two together. I chalked it up to a "mystery glutening". I had broke my leg and was heavily medicated at the time. Mystery solved....Back to the mystery van as Scooby Doo would say.

[CeliacMom2008]

Here is the letter off of Wellshire Farms website (www.wellshirefarms.com):

QUALITY CONTROL

November 21, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

There have been some questions about the status and production of our Wellshire and Garrett County gluten free Dino Bites as a result of a recent article printed in the Chicago Tribune. Our understanding after speaking with the author is that this article relates solely to reactions from children with anaphylaxis, that is, with severe reactions to any level of allergens.

We have not discontinued making this product, but we are in the process of improving its formulation. Our products are governed by the USDA and its regulations, not the FDA�s regulations. We are in complete compliance with the USDA regulations. However, in light of a new FDA proposal under consideration to re-define �gluten-free� to a lower level of gluten parts per million (ppm) in the product than is currently allowed under FDA regulated foods, we are also working on our products conforming to their definition of �gluten�free.� As the FDA considers setting a new regulation, this does not affect our legal obligation to comply with USDA regulations, which specifically govern the food products we produce. Our effort to reduce permitted gluten content is a proactive improvement of our product to meet our customer�s needs, and an effort to comply with the strictest standards.

Our Wellshire products are tested at a level of 200 ppm or less, which is equivalent to 99.98% gluten free. The FDA is now considering a new proposal that would reduce the amount of gluten to be 20 ppm or to 99.998% gluten free. This will be difficult to achieve as wheat and other grains can become cross contaminated from growth in the fields, or milling in the combines. It becomes very, very difficult if not impossible to control.

The FDA interprets the definition of gluten free to concern the level or amount of gluten in the product; thereby recognizing that there is still a contaminate of gluten in the product. The USDA bases the gluten free claim on the identity of the ingredients listed in the product, that is prohibiting the use of ingredients that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, or rye.

It may take a month more to fully complete the transition of the Wellshire products, but the Dino Bites will be returning to store shelves as soon as possible. This new Dino Bite will be a better tasting product, suitable for child and adult palates alike.

Wellshire is committed to improving the quality of our products. We apologize for any inconvenience this confusion between the USDA and FDA regulations may have caused our customers.

Thank you.

Louis B. Colameco, III President

My son got sick after eating the beef corn dogs for the one and only time this summer and we assumed he couldn't handle the hot dogs (he has only had hot dogs twice since diagnosis). We purchased them from Whole Foods in August - well after they stopped production in June. I'm furious at Wellshire Farms, but I'm also very disappointed in Whole Foods for continuing to sell them 2 months after they stopped production. I'm hopeful that they didn't know about the problem.

[JennyC]

I was told they quit production in June. Also I was at Whole Foods last night in Portland Oregon and their product is still on the shelves, both the chicken nuggets and the corn dogs. I am really wondering how much gluten is too much? How much can we imagine mainstream food contains? If 200 ppm is 99.98% gluten free I highly doubt many mainstream foods have gluten amounts below that. Again, I'm feeling really confused about all of this. It seems like once I feel like I get this diet under control, something else comes up!

[betsy7]

I, too, am upset. My son has eaten these since day 1 after his diagnosis -- a few times a week. He's such a picky eater and will eat these - even though they are high in fat, etc.. His growth has not been great since being diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago... maybe eating a food with 200 ppm a few times a week (not on occasion) could be the cause. His constant diarrhea stopped after going gluten-free, but was replaced by severe constipation... could that be from small amounts of gluten? We coincidentally had his celiac panel blood test yesterday (he hasn't had it done in a while)... so we'll see if it has impacted his bloodwork.

I also spoke with Wellshire Farms... their response just doesn't cut it for me. It's like they want to prove to Celiac customers that the levels were only harmful for people allergic to gluten... and that we "should" be okay with these levels. Let's save part of our target market -- and just lose those with allergies. But, they aren't considering the long-term impact of continuous exposure to small amounts. I understand that a recall in June would have had a big impact on their business, but personally that would have enabled me to trust them again. Not only were they negligible-- Whole Foods should have stopped selling them. It makes you realize that their bottom lines are top priority -- not the health and well-being of their special diet customers.

Personally, I don't have time to make everything from scratch. I need to be able to trust that a few of these companies (glutino, etc) are truly looking after the welfare of their celiac customers.

[lovegrov]

"And WHOLE FOODS who will no longer sell Kinnikinnick because of "ingredient issues" is leaving them on their shelves!!!"

Please, please, please, let's make it clear that the ingredient issues with Kinnikinnick have nothing whatsoever to do with gluten. It's because Whole Foods doesn't carry foods with hydrogenated fats.

richard

[CeliacMom2008]

Thank you very much, Richard! I wondered what that was about but hadn't had time to research it. We love Kinnikinnick cakes and donuts around here. I know they are healthy, but I don't expect a birthday cake to be healthy - just gluten free and yummy (not too much to ask, right?? ).

[Darn210]

"And WHOLE FOODS who will no longer sell Kinnikinnick because of "ingredient issues" is leaving them on their shelves!!!"

Please, please, please, let's make it clear that the ingredient issues with Kinnikinnick have nothing whatsoever to do with gluten. It's because Whole Foods doesn't carry foods with hydrogenated fats.

richard

Thanks for the clarification . . . I have actually asked Whole Foods employees several times and was just told they had "ingredient issues". I did not assume it meant gluten and I did not mean to imply that in my post. I am just annoyed that Whole Foods is refusing to sell Kinnikinnick products until they make changes but they don't have a problem selling Wellshire Kids products that are labeled Gluten Free.

Here is where I feel misled . . . even though the FDA has not passed this requirement, I feel if a product is going to be labeled gluten free, it should at least be in the ball park of 20 ppm or less . . . not 200 or 2000!!! Personally, I think there's a difference in expectations if it is labled gluten free versus a label where no gluten ingredients are listed. If my daughter were to have a reaction, a product that is labeled gluten free is NOT where I would start looking.

[Dietcokehead]

I am just sick reading this. My 7 year old son just had a scope to check on stomachaches. He's been gluten-free since 2004. He has blunted villi again and flattened folds. He eats these nuggets ALL THE TIME. I could just scream! Also, he has recently developed OCD and we are now wondering if the 2 things could be related? Maybe I need to start another thread on that. I am just so angry at Wellshire Farms!

[betsy7]

Yes, I think somebody should start another thread to keep this at the top of the forum. Wellshire Farms had a "statement" on their website for less than a week - there was a link right at the top of their home page -- by last weekend it was gone. They are just hoping that this whole problem will go away, but let's not let that happen. It's not fair to other parents of celiacs - everyone deserves to know.

So, below is another copy of Wellshire Farm's statement that they e-mailed to me in response to my complaint. Just in case you want to hear their lame response.

By the way, my son has been dino nugget free for a week now. He ALWAYS ate these. Since going gluten-free 2 1/2 yrs ago, he didn't experience rapid weight gain that other kids sometimes do... granted he's a picky eater, but his appetite has skyrocketed in the last week. Let's hope that this constant low-level glutening was the cause ... shame on Wellshire Farms.

--Statement from Wellshire Farms:

Thank you for your feedback. Our Garrett Countly label is a separate label in our family of products that just recently became more predominant in other health food stores due to the exclusive Wellshire label agreement that we have with Whole Foods. It was not designed to harm our customers in any way.

Here is the statement that we have on our website, and thank you for letting us know about the MAC issue.

There have been some questions about the status and production of our

Wellshire and Garrett County gluten free Dino Bites as a result of a recent

article printed in the Chicago Tribune. Our understanding after speaking

with the author is that this article relates solely to reactions from

children with anaphylaxis, that is, with severe reactions to any level of

allergens.

We have not discontinued making this product, but we are in the process of

improving its formulation. Our products are governed by the USDA and its

regulations, not the FDA's regulations. We are in complete compliance with

the USDA regulations. However, in light of a new FDA proposal under

consideration to re-define "gluten-free" to a lower level of gluten parts

per million (ppm) in the product than is currently allowed under FDA

regulated foods, we are also working on our products conforming to their

definition of "gluten-free." As the FDA considers setting a new regulation,

this does not affect our legal obligation to comply with USDA regulations,

which specifically govern the food products we produce. Our effort to

reduce permitted gluten content is a proactive improvement of our product to

meet our customer's needs, and an effort to comply with the strictest

standards.

Our Wellshire products are tested at a level of 200 ppm or less, which is

equivalent to 99.98% gluten free. The FDA is now considering a new proposal

that would reduce the amount of gluten to be 20 ppm or to 99.998% gluten

free. This will be difficult to achieve as wheat and other grains can

become cross contaminated from growth in the fields, or milling in the

combines. It becomes very, very difficult if not impossible to control.

The FDA interprets the definition of gluten free to concern the level or

amount of gluten in the product; thereby recognizing that there is still a

contaminate of gluten in the product. The USDA bases the gluten free claim

on the identity of the ingredients listed in the product, that is

prohibiting the use of ingredients that contain gluten, such as wheat,

barley, or rye.

It may take a month more to fully complete the transition of the Wellshire

products, but the Dino Bites will be returning to store shelves as soon as

possible. This new Dino Bite will be a better tasting product, suitable for

child and adult palates alike.

Wellshire is committed to improving the quality of our products. We

apologize for any inconvenience this confusion between the USDA and FDA

regulations may have caused our customers.

Thank you.

Louis B. Colameco, III

President

[GLPIII]

I, too, am upset. My son has eaten these since day 1 after his diagnosis -- a few times a week. He's such a picky eater and will eat these - even though they are high in fat, etc.. His growth has not been great since being diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago... maybe eating a food with 200 ppm a few times a week (not on occasion) could be the cause. His constant diarrhea stopped after going gluten-free, but was replaced by severe constipation... could that be from small amounts of gluten? We coincidentally had his celiac panel blood test yesterday (he hasn't had it done in a while)... so we'll see if it has impacted his bloodwork.

Betsy7 - I was curious if you'd be willing to share with the rest of us the results of your son's celiac panel blood test?

My pregnant fiancee is a celiac. She bought and consumed three packages of the chicken nuggets and had a considerable reaction. We never would have suspected the nuggets that were supposedly gluten free - until we came across the Tribune article. Since then I've been trying to track down as much information regarding others who had reactions after consuming them.

Did you have your package tested to determine the ppms of gluten he consumed?

I do hope he's doing better now. thanks for any help you can offer me in advance.

George

[GLPIII]

I am just sick reading this. My 7 year old son just had a scope to check on stomachaches. He's been gluten-free since 2004. He has blunted villi again and flattened folds. He eats these nuggets ALL THE TIME. I could just scream! Also, he has recently developed OCD and we are now wondering if the 2 things could be related? Maybe I need to start another thread on that. I am just so angry at Wellshire Farms!

OMG - Dietcokehead that's truly heartbreaking to hear.

Forgive me if I step over the line - but would you be willing to share the results of the tests with us? Scans perhaps? I understand if you don't feel comfortable sharing this kind of private info on a web board - but if you're willing to share - please feel free to email me at my yahoo email addy: georgethree33

After my fiancee was affected by their product, i've begun a one man campaign to see just how wide spread the impact of this really is. Any info you could provide would mean the world to me.

Has anyone heard any talk of legal action by others like us who have been negatively impacted by this company's actions?

[GLPIII]

I am furious! There were rumors about this earlier this spring, so I called Wellshire Kids. I was told that they test their products and they come back as negative. My son eats their dinosaur chicken nuggets all the time, multiple times per week! This may help to explain his high-normal tTG last May. I refuse to buy their products until they get this under control--if ever!

From the article:

Gluten found in 'gluten-free' products

The Tribune bought three popular Wellshire Farms products advertised as "gluten free" and sent multiple samples to a lab for testing.

Chicken Bites: Tested at 204 parts per million and 260 ppm

Chicken Corn Dogs: Tested at 116 ppm and 2,200 ppm

Beef Corn Dogs: Tested at 191 ppm and 1,200 ppm

Wellshire Farms provided the Tribune with its own testing results, conducted in the spring. Their results showed: chicken nuggets tested at 200 ppm, chicken corn dogs 150 ppm, and beef corn dogs 120 ppm.

JennyC - has your son's condition improved since he stopped eating these? I hope he's feeling better. Did you have a new tTG since then?

[JennyC]

JennyC - has your son's condition improved since he stopped eating these? I hope he's feeling better. Did you have a new tTG since then?

His tTG does not get tested until May, but I have noticed improvements since removing the Wellshire Kids chicken nuggets from his diet. He used to have seemingly random episodes of D, now those are gone. He also does not have as many melt downs. What really bothers me is that I still see their products on store shelves. I forget the name, but the common brand of gluten free corn dogs are also made by Wellshire.

[sandejosgirl]

hey all, i've never been so glad that my kiddos are sensative to chicken!!!

There's a reason that the new 20 ppm regulation is being set, as most celiacs still have problems with the foods currently being labeled "gluten free" and only under 200 ppm. The World Health Organization set the international standard at 20 ppm and the US is only now complying.

"In one study, more than half of subjects consuming only 10 mg of gluten per day experienced worsening of their villous height/crypt ratio. However, another study demonstrated no histologic abnormalities among a cohort of patients who consumed an average of 34 mg of gluten daily."

Open Original Shared Link

Just google celiacs, ppm, and study &/or limits and read the results. Kinda scary that the US is so far behind. Because of reactions to other foods we limit our processed food intact & I am glad.

For me this is a call for celiacs, or parents of, to start businesses offering gluten-free products because we uniquely understand the sensativity involved and uniquely care when there are contamination issues. I recently attended a conf. where the speaker said that the gluten-free industry grew 14% last year. In an economy that is stagnating that's amazing!! For ourselves, we would be hurting without a local gluten-free bakery which was started a couple of years ago by two celiac recent college grads who couldn't get jobs in their industry. They now have a booming business and have a hard time keeping up with demand.

Stephanie (wheat/rye free 11/07, gluten-free 1/09)

mom to 3 kiddos under 5, all celiacs, baby with Crohn's too