<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> I would like to publicly thank Dr. Alessio Fasano and all of his assistants, and Bob Levy for the wonderful international meeting held in Baltimore this past weekend. This was the best I have attended to date, and provided a wide range of information on celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. As reported by Dr. Fasano, this meeting was the largest held thus far, with 39 states represented, and a host of physicians and lay persons in attendance from throughout the world. We heard about new research, diagnostic dilemmas, genetically engineered foods, new research into the genetics of CD, the gluten free diet and a host of other subjects. The poster demonstrations were many and varied, and the exhibitors booths represented a cross section of gluten free items and services. The gluten free meals that were offered were delicious! One of the things that I personally found important to hear is that distilled alcohols are safe for celiacs. This bit of great information came from Dr. Don Kasarda, a renowned grain chemist. He also stated when asked, that dietary lectins are not an issue and have nothing to do with celiac disease. Of all the important information that came from this meeting, getting a reliable and knowledgeable answer on these issues was probably the most important to the celiac diet. I hope that this will finally resolve all the questions and opinions on these subjects, and that we have heard the last about these controversies on our list serve. If we can't trust the expert opinion of a renowned grain chemist who has worked hard for the betterment of celiacs over the years, who can we trust? I applaud all the presenters for their excellent contributions and would like to again, express my thanks to Dr. Fasano and Bob Levy for heading up this great program. Marge Johannemann, Louisville, Kentucky