<<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