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

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Ailsa Campbell 
To: STJOHNS>EDU> 
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 12:44 PM
Subject: OFF! mosquito repellents - DEET


As a red-headed female Celiac, I seem to be a target for every mosquito in the area! Due to the recent scare regarding West Nile virus, I am particularly careful when outside as we have a pond and several bird baths. I read a posting regarding DEET which is the main ingredient in insect repellents as to its safety for Celiacs. I contacted the company which produces OFF! and received the following response which may prove helpful.

"DEET was developed and patented by the U.S. Army in 1956 and was available in Canada for use by the general public in 1957. It is one of the most proven effective ingredients against biting insects carrying diseases like encephalitis, malaria, dengue fever and lyme disease. Today it is the most widely distributed personal insect repellant ingredient in the world. OFF! is used by millions of people each year on literally billions of usage occasions. Based on all the scientific research when OFF! products are used with common sense and according to label directions, they can be used on children and adults with confidence.

We would not recommend the use of any of the lotions such as OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent, OFF! Skintastic MagiColor Disappearing Purple Insect Repellent, OFF! Skintastic Lotion or OFF! Skintastic Insect Repellent with Sunscreen as they may contain gluten. OFF! Skintastic Spray for Use on Kids, OFF! Skintastic Insect Repellent Summer Splash, OFF! Insect Repellent (orange can), Deep Woods OFF Insect Repellent (aerosol), Deep Woods OFF! Pump Spray (100 mL and 30 mL) Deep Woods OFF! for Sportsmen Insect Repellent are not formulated to contain gluten."

Hope this may help if any out there have concerns about these products. I know I can't go out these days without my sunscreen and bug repellents - sometimes it takes me longer to get ready than the time I spend out there in the heat!!

Ailsa

*Please provide references to back up claims of a product being GF or not GF*