<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I am sending Mr LeClair's own words about Balance Bars. I sent him a post
that had been sent to our list last May, which include a portion of the
Balance Bar web page re: gluten status of the bars. He is basically
repeating that information here.

I suspect it depends on how strict one wants (needs, whatever) to be about
*possible trace* exposure. This isn't a product that one HAS to eat!
However, I have both the cranberry and chocolate raspberry fudge flavors
on my desk and I fail to see any questionable ingredients at all,
including the sweeteners. Looks like corn gluten, sugar or fruits to me!

Anne Washburn

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 3 Dec 1998 11:05:38 -0800
From: Philip LeClair <[log in to unmask]>
To: 'Anne Washburn' <[log in to unmask]>

Anne,

Thank you for providing me with the information I requested.

To reiterate, flour is not used on the belts.  I contacted our customer
service supervisor and filled him in on the situation.

In regards to the technical questions that were posted on the website:
Balance products are not and have never claimed to be "gluten-free".
However, traces of gluten that may be found in the bars refers to
situations where ingredients (primarily sweeteners) may contain naturally
occurring trace amounts of the substance.  There may also be the rare
occurrence where an ingredient (such as an oat kernel) is missed during
machinery clean-up.   Ingredients associated with gluten (like flour) are
not used as manufacturing aids.

Almond Butter Crunch is the only bar that contains a gluten-associated
ingredient:  rolled oats.

I hope this information clarifies the matter.

Sincerely, Phil LeClair, Quality Assurance Manager