Lisa

That is kind of what I was figuring, thank you so much for that information Lisa! I have been looking on their website and couldn't find an answer.

You're welcome and enjoy your holiday!

Hey Lisa!

Sorry I missed this post. Well, how did your fudge turn out? You might need to spare that recipe!

So my aunt is serving a ham with glaze from Harry and David. None of the ingredients listed indicate the presence of gluten. I called the customer service line and was told that since it's not actually labeled gluten free, that it was not gluten free. What am I supposed to think? Has anyone eaten this ham and been fine?

If there are no gluten ingredients, it should be gluten free. Many companies will not label products gluten free, unless they test.

Taken from their website:

I have allergies to certain ingredients (gluten, peanuts, etc.) that may be found in your products. Where can I obtain ingredient information for your items?

Harry & David Operations, Inc. is in compliance with the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (Title II of Public Law 108-282) as of January 1, 2006. Harry & David is 100% compliant with the new Act as currently defined.

We have contacted our ingredient suppliers to insure that all ingredients are declared on the label. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, our labels list all ingredients. For those with peanut allergies, we also include a disclaimer stating “May contain trace amounts of other nuts or allergens not listed in the ingredients”. Also, since Gluten and other allergens are found in wheat and some other grain products, we encourage you to read the ingredient information carefully and determine if the product is appropriate for your consumption. If you cannot locate an ingredient label on the product you received, contact us with the product name or item number and we will gladly research the information for you.

I have to respectfully disagree with "anyone who is sensitive can go out to eat..." I have eaten at the restaurants that tout gluten free menus that many celiacs of whatever sensitivities recommend and each time I've been glutened. Before anyone says it's another food intolerance, sorry, nope, I know all my food intolerances and everything but gluten is easy to avoid. I don't like having the "flu" for 3 days and fatigue for a week by trying out these places. I expected to be perfectly fine, so it wasn't a matter of me convincing myself I'd be sick either, for any that would suggest that.

I do find this: "To say you are too sensitive to eat out usually means multiple intolerances, which makes dining out extremely difficult or you just choose not to eat out, maybe from lack of resources." to be a broad negative generalization of people whose experiences don't agree with your own.

I agree with GFM that people who have more visible sensitive reactions are harrassed in this forum, which is why I rarely post though I've been reading for a long time.

This is what I find is the hardest to deal with as a super sensitive--the fact that other celiacs of whatever sensitivities invalidate my experiences just like so many doctors and "regular" people invalidate celiac with "it's just in your head." It's about like what the Puritans who came to America to escape religious persecution did to the Native Americans because they didn't hold the same beliefs.

The best thing I find about having become super sensitive is that I get reactions so that I can work to eliminate the culprits and continue to improve my health after having been misdiagnosed for over 20 years and losing all that time.

Elf, I understand what you are saying, but I don't see the harassment that you speak of. I see members who might be a bit skeptical, perhaps.

Let me be honest... I am a member of several forums (meaning several). I see the same people who discuss their severe multiple food intolerance on different forums, yet come here and only discuss gluten as their only hyper sensitively issue.

I know that there are many people who have hypersensitivity to gluten and living with that, no doubt must be a struggle. Many of us have struggled for many years, I'm glad you are on your road to recovery.

<snort>

Same response from me!

Well dammit, somebody is telling me not to make the damned chutney, which is what I was doing at the time of the first one. I was just back chopping up the preserved ginger when anudder one got going pretty good! Some things from the pantry but it didn't last at long. Dang this Pacific Rim of Fire!!!!

Breaking news tells of you still rollin' around. Hold on.

Hey guys, we're fine All shook up again, but what else is new. At least the stuph didn't all fall out of my pantry All the tiles are still on the roof (I think ) and I poured myself a glass of whine even though it's only 2:30 p.m. I think Miss Em, my kitty, would like some too. Apparently there were a few panicked shoppers in the malls - I pledged not to go there this Christmas, and haven't

So they say good news travels fast - sheesh, so does bad!! Twenty minutes and Lisa is on it

I think that most things that were going to get broken have already been broken most places, so hope that the rest of the city is okay. This one was about 10 kns out to sea or it would have been worse - all that nice heavy salt water seems to muffle it a little.

Anyways, just checkin' in. Off for another glass of wine.

Whew...having a glass wiff ya.

I see numerous valid reasons why the original poster has not returned.

He has had many options suggested to mull over. He alone can determine which one fits for his family concerns.

Perhaps we should conclude this thread.

Latest news indicates that Christchurch was hit by another "violent" earthquake. Hoping all is well with Shroomie! Be safe!

Open Original Shared Link

5.9 mag

I wonder......?

Open Original Shared Link

RALEIGH, N.C. – Former presidential candidate John Edwards says he has been diagnosed with a medical condition that would make it difficult for him to attend his approaching criminal trial over campaign finances and is asking for it to be delayed.

In a motion filed Thursday, Edwards' lawyers asked a federal judge to delay the start of the Jan. 30 trial for at least two months. They did not disclose his illness and filed sealed records with the court.

"The Defendant has a medical issue ... that will prevent a trial of this matter during the January 2012 Criminal Term," the motion says. "The failure to grant a continuance would be likely to result in a miscarriage of justice."

I think the most important thing for us as people who can't eat gluten, is to accept it, and move on with all that we still have that are blessings. I can still eat ice cream, potato chips, chocolate, and so much more And I am learning about gluten free baking so I am going to add to that list of things I can eat. Anything else is really just pouting. And I refuse to do that. We are so blessed to be able to pick and choose what we can eat, instead of wishing we had food to eat.

I especially love this part of your post. Where do you live Monael? xxxooo

I have been having symptoms related to those of a gluten allergy for a few years now...and have just linked them to gluten recently. The main issue is that about 30 minutes or so after eating (what appears to be foods with gluten) I have to run to the bathroom immediately with diarrhea. So much so, that sometimes I am worried if I will make it or not. This is accompanied with strong stomach cramps, and often a general 'unwell' feeling after eating. When I eliminated gluten from my diet these problems went away. Shortly after that (about 2 weeks) I started reintroducing gluten to be prepared for blood testing. When I did this, my symptoms returned.

Today I was eating chips that appeared to be gluten free - they were made with corn and brown rice - however, I had my normal mad bathroom dash shortly after eating this. This confused me, so I started doing research about brown rice, and found the lectin connection.

Does anyone know the difference between the symptoms of a gluten allergy and a lectin allergy/how to tell the difference? Are their tests for a lectin allergy?

I have been battling with trying to figure this thing out for a long time and keep getting discouraged because everything turns back negative (including colonoscopy and celiac blood testing- which is good but very frustrating not knowing the cause)

Any information you could provide would be very greatly appreciated...Thank you so much!

Welcome to the Forum!

Have you had an Endoscopy Test (mouth down)? Post your Celiac Blood Panel here and we have people who can help you interpret. Take one issue on at a time, say gluten and later, if unresolved advance to other issues.

Well not really, I guess I was asking generally. I noticed a few things when checking labels.

1) Many labels say "contain soy and milk" for example so I am assuming that if it DID contain wheat it would say so.

2) What is the difference between this labeling and "gluten-free"?

Are both labels safe?

1) Yes, wheat in the US is one of the allergens that must be listed by law. The other glutens, barley, malt and malt are not required to be listed. Sometimes it's a judgment call or a call to the manufacturer. Barley, rye and malt are not used too much in the US, but you have to judge you product ( ie. hot chocolate mix might have malt).

2)Labeling in the US has not yet legislated a legal definition of "gluten free". As of yet, all labeling of "gluten free" is voluntary. We would like to hope that those who label their products as gluten free have tested as such. But that is expensive, and not required.

The current trend may be that products may contain a label stating "no gluten ingredients". I feel fine with that, but others may be more sensitive.

There is a list of companies who will clearly list all forms of gluten on their ingredient listing or allergen warning...Kraft is one, Unilever and more.

I have often read here that some of our more hyper-sensitive members have other food intolerances. Under those circumstances, I would find it very difficult to dine out. I'm certain, that it's very frustrating, aside from any gluten issues.

I live in a small town and don't dine out for the food, but for the socialization. I eat cleanly (steamed shrimp and broccoli) and have a glass or two of wine and enjoy my neighbors and friends. We did that tonight and it's so much fun to see the college kids home from school as (presumed) adults. AND celebrating an engagement of my daughters best friend.

I think dining out can be achieved, no matter what your sensitivity if you research and choose wisely.

My daughter is gluten-free and we are going to try and make our own Annie's Shiitake Mushroom dressing. It is her favorite but unfortunately the only Annie's dressing with Gluten. Go freaking figure!

Is there a Ranch that is gluten free?

Yes, my favorite Hidden Valley But, always verify on the ingredient listing.

One of the definitions of criticism is to pass a judgement. Just like all you have since you insist on attacking me because my judgement was different from your own. Another definition of criticism is critical commentary. Here critical commentary is needed as my feeling that she is overreacting to the situation and is in the minority. Because of my feeling that the OP is overreacting to the situation because she chose to make the unsubstantiated assumption that there was a gluten free stollen and eat it. Since my opinion is against most others I felt it needed to rationalize my opinion. Everyone else had to make a pass a judgement on the situation as well in order to determine if the OP was overreacting or justified with their feelings. Passing a judgement is also one of the definitions of criticism. Which if I remember right was part of the OP's post.

That being said how can a relevant point be made from a post if you have not judged it in some way, shape or, form? The judging isn't always of a feeling or opinion sometimes it's of a fact or a set of facts.

Geez...must be a full moon or something!

This is a discussion board. We discuss and share and often times we don't always share the same opinion as we continue discuss. Not agreeing with a statement is not an attack.

Thank you. Sorry to ask here, but really quickly and then I will stop. If I report a post does that report go to Admin (Scott) only or does the post go to the entire moderating team? And if the post is modified after I report it will Scott see the original or only the modified version?

When a report is made, it is viewed by the entire moderating team, as well as the Administrator. No reported posts are altered in any manner. If you would like to address Scott Adams on a personal level, his e-mail is listed on his profile page.

EDIT: to be clear, the report itself is not altered, the reported post can be change or deleted to comply with the board rules, after review.

Kraft and Newman's will clearly list all forms of gluten. If I recall, all Newman's are gluten free except the Family Italian and Low Fat Ginger, but please verify on the label.

I don't think you can decline something like a Christmas communion wafer without explaining the situation. It might be easiest to show up with some gluten-free wafers to break with people. Recipes are here. Open Original Shared Link You'll need to talk to your mother and father-in-law and explain that you need a little support in the situation.

The Betty Crocker cake mixes are easy and good enough for gluten-eaters.

I agree, you should explain to your family. We had a Polish exchange student and we shared the same communion with our friends. It's a lovely tradition.

And bring Pamela's Chocolate cake (two mixes make an impressive cake) and everyone will love it, and won't even know it's gluten free.

I believe that sometimes criticism is needed to show the OP how to prevent a reoccurance. If all you ever get is that sucks your mom was soo thoughtless... How is the OP supposed to see past her feelings in the situation to find what went wrong. When we have strong feelings about a situation sometimes they color our impressions of the event and prevent us from being able to gain any useful knowledge from the situation. And in this case what went wrong were her assumptions and the actions she took based on them. Living gluten free is a learning process and with all learning processes comes criticism and then better solutions to the problem. Not a single person who said anything negative about what the OP did, did so without an alternative course of action. That will be useful in the future.

With certainty, a point could be made without criticism. I don't find it useful in the least.

Yes, you have been give good advise to mull over. Choose what you wish and disregard the other.

I have a very dear friend (much aware of my dietary issues) who has a very busy career and she sends me the same container of very expensive cookies every year. I thank her for her thought and tell her how much my family will enjoy them.

How about when someone highjacks your post & really just starts a new thread right in the middle?

Oh yes, not very polite.

My hubby bought some bothwell cheeses in a fundraiser and they look delicious... they also look gluten-free, but I seem to remember reacting to one of them a couple years ago and I'm afraid to try! I searched online but there is no information that I can find regarding the gluten-free status of their cheeses. Does anyone know if bothwell cheeses are gluten-free? Does anyone eat these? This cheese is from New Bothwell, Manitoba ...so I wonder if they're not widely available? Ugh. I wish companies had better allergy and gluten information on their websites!

Not familiar with Bothwell cheeses, sorry. I would assume that they should be labeled for ingredients.

I'm not sure you could have prevented an accident of that kind, nor could you recreate it.

I, personally, don't want to be a complaining customer and I'm especially grateful that I can dine in a restaurant that offers a gluten free opportunities.

Every time we eat out without full control, we have to accept the risk and not hold the establishment responsible for our dietary needs. It's our choice...imho