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

Hi - It's time for an official delurking...

N. Jackson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> This guide is useful to celiacs because some extremely orthodox Jews make
> sure that they have nothing in their homes during Passover that contains
> "chometz," that is, anything derived from wheat, barley, oats, rye, or
> spelt.  Products derived from corn, "kitniyos," are treated somewhat less
> restrictively.  The guide is quite comprehensive and updated every year.
> Freeda Laboratories, mentioned here previously as a source of vitamins,
> is given special attention.

I'd like to clarify a bit -
some products which are kosher for passover, and are not "Chometz", ARE
derived from wheat, etc., and DO contain gluten.  Passover Matzos, Passover
flour are perfect examples.  The "Chometz" definition is based also on the
procedure in which the product is made, and not the base flour alone.  Thus,
one needs to be cautious.  It it's "Chometz" and is not made from corn or
other "safe" base flours (see explanation of "Kitniyos" below) that means
that indeed it is probably made from wheat, etc. and should be treated with
caution.  However the reverse isn't true.  Just because something is Kosher for
passover, it isn't necessarily gluten-free.

As for "Kitniyos".  I'm no expert on this subject, but Kitniyos usually cover
corn, rice (I think), cocoa, lentils, and similiar products.  Those are
usually gluten free and cause no problem in my experience.

I'll try finding a better definition for Kitniyos.

> Although items listed as "kosher for Passover" is this guide ARE gluten
> free, be aware that many items so marked are not.  For example, "passover
> flour" in products such as matzo may contain wheat, because not all Jews
> are as strict about what they avoid during Passover as those served by
> Kollel.

Again, I'd like to clarify.  Passover flour and similiar products are entirely
Kosher by standard definitions.  Ultra-Orthodox Jews might prefer even
more strict constraints on the procedure and verification of "Kosher"bility
and thus avoid even the Kosher food accepted by more moderate Jews.
As for "Kitniyos".  I'm no expert on this subject, but Kitniyos usually cover
corn, rice (I think), cocoa, lentils, and similiar products.  Those are
usually gluten free and cause no problem in my experience.

I hope this helps a bit.

Gal Kaminka
<[log in to unmask]>