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

Listmates:

Summary - Post on Kozy Shack Puddings (11/28/01)

1.  Kozy Shack EggNog Pudding--a seasonal product

One listmate noted that the label on Eggnog Pudding did not indicate that
it was gluten free and that it contained modified food starch.

Telephone inquiry to Kozy Shack in Turlock, California (209/634-2131)
yielded the information that the starch was modified tapioca starch and
that the product was gluten free.

E-mail verified the gluten free status of the product and the reason that
it was not labeled:

In answer to your inquiry yesterday [11/29/01] related to this product
[Eggnog Pudding] please be advised that it is "Gluten free".

The package does not yet indicate this as it is presently being packaged in
a cup for which the labeling has not been updated.  As soon as the stocks
of the present cup are depleted this labeling will be updated to note the
"gluten free" designation.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Best Regards,
Bob Jorgensen - Sr. Engineering Project Manager
[log in to unmask]

2.  Interesting tidbit shared by one listmate.

"The President of the Company's son is a celiac."  The contact in #1 did
not know if it was a son, or grandson, but someone in the family is
apparently a celiac.

3.   Concern about use of "carageenan" was expressed by one listmate.

"...you need to be aware that the ingredient 'carageenan' has been written
about in many reputable health journals as a cancer-causing agent."

-The FDA does not list carageenan as harmful.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/foodaddi.html

-"Carageenan has been reviewed by the World Health Authorities and the
Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives.  Their findings were:  Food
grade carageenan has been assigned an 'ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) Not
Specified.'  This is the best status a food additive can be given
because it means that these experts are satisfied that carageenan can be
consumed freely every day without restriction."
http://www.wheylite.com/ingredients.htm

-Carageenan is a natural extract from red seaweed.  It is a polysaccharide.
It is probably used in some puddings because it "forms the strongest gel
with calcium ions."  http://www.pformulate.com/carageenan,htm

Please note that not all flavors of Kozy Shack Puddings contain carageenan.
Read the labels if you want to avoid carageenan.  When carageenan is added
it is probably only a small amount.

A good approach to all additives (and many other things) is to consume them
in moderation and to eat a balanced diet.  A diet of only Kozy Shack
Puddings is not a good thing for anybody.

4.  Other:

Several comments related to all of the products being gluten free and
appreciation of this.  Other comments were about flavors.   We all have our
own favorite flavor(s)!  One listmate expressed frustration at not locating
the Banana Pudding very often.  The website has a recipe section with some
great ideas for using the puddings--not all are gluten free, but you can
modify the recipes.  http:www.kozyshack.com

Betsy
Texas