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

I am hoping that someone out there on the celiac list is familar with how
grain is harvested, stored, and transported.  I am still putting together
information on Vinegar,  and I believe that the storage and transporation
of grains may be related to the vinegar sensitivity that so many
experience.  I called Heinz last week, and the woman I spoke with the
quite rude.   When I called, I told her that I had an allergy.  (I did not want
to clue her in that I might be celiac.)  Her response was:  "Are you celiac
sprue?"  When I told her yes, she gave me the company line.  "Our
vinegar is distilled from corn."  When I asked her if there were any
additives, she replied: "Our vinegar is distilled from corn."  Then I asked
her about the process of distillation, if any other food items were used in
the manufacturing process, she replied "Our vinegar is distilled from
corn."  The woman was a broken record.  Well this conversation got me
to thinking.  I am not going to get anywhere trying to talk to Heinz.  After
much thought it occurred to me that much happens to corn before it is
sent to the plant for distillation.  It is dried and stored in grain elevators.
Who is to say that these elevators have not stored other grains in
previous years?  They are transported by rail or by barge.  Who is to say
that the tranportation containers are in any way shape or form sanitized
or sterilized?  By the time the corn gets to market, it too could be
contaminated with wheat, rye, or barley, just like oats are.  I have
received many responses from people who are extremely sensitive to
distilled vinegar.  I would like to continue to collect comments.  I often
wonder if some people on the list who complain of joint pain are
continuing to ingest distilled vinegar.  My joint point completely
disappeared after going gluten free.  And my joint pain was extreme for
almost two years prior to going gluten free.  Now I eat absolutely no
vinegar or anything containing vinegar and am doing well.  I have no joint
pain at all.  Please continue to send in your vinegar sensitivity responses
and let me know if you know anything about grain harvesting, storage,
drying, and transporation.  Thanks.  Abigail