<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Mary Stift wrote on Tuesday, April 24, 2001 12:45 PM Hello, If this memo has not yet been posted on your list serv, I believe you may find it helpful to do so. (If it has, please note the addition of Panda Puffs to our list of gluten free cereals. Any questions or comments, please feel free to respond. Thanks so much, Kind regards, Mary Stift, B. Sc. Consumer Services Coordinator Nature's Path Foods, Inc. [log in to unmask] *************************************************** MEMO: RE: Nature's Path manufacturing practices with regard to gluten TO: All consumers, especially those with gluten sensitivities Nature's Path Foods is North America's leading producer of organic cereals offering an extensive line of products, some of which are gluten free. We do not specifically manufacture specialty foods necessary to meet strict allergy free guidelines, however, we do have products that can be acceptable depending on each individual's requirements. We keep abreast of nutritional research, and believe that the information on celiac disease is continually ongoing, with certain aspects being inconclusive as new information continues to develop with regard to absolute dietary guidelines. Our stance on this issue is as follows. The most definitive information clearly demonstrates that proteins from wheat, rye and barley are unacceptable for individuals on a gluten free diet. Additionally, Kamut and spelt have proteins that are so similar to the gluten and gliadin proteins found in wheat, it is recommended that these grains also be avoided. Nature's Path Foods, Inc. is aware of the food sensitivities that some individuals have specifically with regard to gluten. We therefore take precautions to prevent any cross contamination in our gluten free products. We remain confident in the integrity and quality of our GMP (good manufacturing practices) and cleaning procedures that we use to thoroughly clean the production equipment between product runs. However, it is essentially impossible to "guarantee" that there is no possibility of contamination or human error . In addition to strict manufacturing guidelines, the equipment is periodically inspected and tested for gluten contamination. Cereal samples are also sent out to independent labs to assure there is no presence of gluten. The following Nature's Path products are therefore considered gluten free: * Mesa Sunrise(tm) Indian corn, flax, and amaranth multigrain flakes (sweetened with unrefined cane juice) * Corn Flakes (sweetened with unrefined cane juice) * Honey'd(tm) Corn Flakes (sweetened with honey) * Amazon Frosted Flakes(tm) (corn flakes sweetened w/ honey and cane juice * Gorilla Munch(tm) (crunchy corn pops sweetened w/ unrefined cane juice) * Panda Puffs(tm) (crunchy sweetened corn pops with a peanut butter coating Our sister company, Lifestream(r), offers 2 varieties of highly nutritious and delightfully delicious toaster waffles that are gluten free: Buckwheat Wildberry & Mesa Sunrise(tm). Additionally, Nature's Path also offers several varieties of puffed grains including Puffed Rice, Puffed Millet, and Puffed Corn. However, these products are made in a separate facility that will often run several different grains simultaneously, including Puffed Wheat and Puffed Kamut, which are not gluten free. Consequently, depending on each individual's sensitivity to gluten, the puffed grain cereals may or may not be appropriate for a strict gluten-free diet. We always welcome consumer inquires and comments, and we make every effort to address individual concerns. While we realize that we may not be able to meet specific needs of every consumer, we make every effort to achieve and maintain customer satisfaction. For further information, please feel free to contact our Consumer Services Coordinator, Mary Stift, B.Sc. at 360.332.1111. Kind regards, Mary Stift, B. Sc. Consumer Services Coordinator Nature's Path Foods, Inc. [log in to unmask] Submitted by: Nancy Seattle, WA USA