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Hi all,

I have to say that I always have just the tiniest moment of hesitancy 
when posting anything to this list.  When you have several thousand 
different people, with varying interests and levels of experience 
with celiac, you're bound to say something confusing or that gets 
misinterpreted.

Before I begin, though, I just wanted to say how much appreciate all 
the heartfelt thank you's for posting the big brand list.  I really 
do hope the list provides some sanity to a few folks -- at least 
until IT becomes outdated! :-)  (Which could be next week, of course!)

But, some confusion and misinterpretations to address.

(1)  I want to make very clear that there are a number of very 
well-researched, comprehensive and totally legitimate product lists 
out there -- such as those published by Delphi Forums, CSA, Clan 
Thompson and others.  I personally use these lists all the time, and 
am so grateful for them!  I am absolutely NOT discounting the 
information on these types of products lists.  They are excellent and 
the people creating them are very responsible.

However, I find (for myself) that these individual product lists -- 
while indispensable -- can sometimes become overwhelming to manage. 
A lot of the brands and products listed are regional (as in not 
available where I live), and there are so many sources that I own a 
loose-leaf binder that is 2" thick, stuffed with product list pages. 
Some of these lists are available for hand-held computers, but I 
don't use one of those.  Plus, because manufacturers can reformulate 
a product at the drop of a hat, you still have to thoroughly read all 
labels and sometimes STILL have to call the maker of the product.

So I just thought it would be useful to publish those *nationally* 
available brands that simply say you can TRUST what they write on 
their ingredients labels.  Two pages, tops -- to carry around in my 
purse at all times ... or even to give to friends and relatives who 
struggle to safely feed me on occasion.  It doesn't cover everything, 
but it sure does cover a lot.

The ubiquitously quoted "list" of brands that I was referring to in 
my original post is one (that takes on a few forms) that keeps 
popping up on general celiac forums, personal web pages, blogs and 
general community celiac web pages.  From all I can tell, from just 
researching this list via Google, it started up c. early 2004 -- 
before the new labeling laws even existed.  It is pretty much 
impossible at this time to figure where the list began, but it would 
seem that things really have changed since then.  Other big brands 
have joined the ranks of those that disclose gluten, and a few other 
big brands have backed off -- perhaps realizing that they do not have 
enough information from their own ingredients suppliers to guarantee 
that all gluten is disclosed on the label.

So, for all you great groups that provide comprehensive and 
frequently updated product lists -- PLEASE KNOW that these are 
fabulous -- and I was not putting them down in any way.

(2)  It's difficult for someone like me, who's been at this for over 
4 years now, to realize how confusing the whole labeling issue is for 
people recently diagnosed.  The lists I posted sent a few readers 
into a total tailspin of confusion.  I somehow assume these folks 
have been armed by their doctors or dietitians with better knowledge 
and understanding of food labels -- but it seems that some are truly 
out there without a paddle.

For those folks, I will attempt a short and basic (mainstream) food 
labeling explanation:

In January 2006, a new food labeling law took effect, which required 
food manufacturers to list what is called "the Big 8" allergens on 
their labels.  Prior to this time, there were a handful of 
responsible brands that listed everything (Kraft and General Mills 
were both on the cutting edge with their commitments to this).  But, 
most mainstream products required a phone call to ask about 
ingredients, or you needed to reference to one of the big, 
comprehensive product listings I noted above.

The Big 8 allergens include wheat, but not other gluten coming from 
barley, rye or oats.  Other gluten -- just as toxic to us as wheat -- 
is not required to appear on packaging.  If you have a wheat 
intolerance, but other gluten doesn't affect you -- you are a lucky 
duck.  But if you have celiac disease, and cannot have any gluten of 
any type, you aren't all that much better off than you were before 
the law went into effect.

But, thankfully, there are a number of large national brands that are 
committed to making sure that gluten is always disclosed among their 
product ingredients.  The purpose of my list was to update and verify 
what mega-brands, at a TOP LEVEL, make sure each of their products 
(from all subsidiaries) are labeled in a way that discloses all 
gluten.  So, for instance, if you pick up a bottle of enchilada 
sauce, and see on the label that it is a subsidiary brand of Kraft -- 
there are no gluten ingredients in that product IF wheat, barley, rye 
or oats are not labeled on the ingredient list.  If any are listed -- 
obviously, leave it on the shelf!

Perhaps not so short.  Perhaps not so clear.  And, boy, I don't blame 
any newbie who doesn't get the basics of label reading for gluten. 
It is absolutely overwhelming.  I blame the medical professionals for 
leaving these folks without the tools they need to survive.

(3)  The mega-brands that I listed make products WITH gluten and also 
products that have no gluten ingredients.  They are NOT manufacturers 
who produce only gluten-free products.  You MUST read the label to 
determine if it has gluten or not.  But at least you can trust what 
you read on the label.  Gosh, I sure thought this was clear, but 
apparently not for all.  So, I do hope it is clear now.  I'd hate to 
see someone buying Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, just because it is made 
by Kraft.  YIKES!

PEACE to all.  :-)  And may you all have the most food "safe" 
holidays possible!!

~ Suzanne

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