<<Disclaimer:  Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
 
=========================   Hidden Gluten
 
Whenever a product or ingredient is identified as a possible source of
gluten-contamination it will be highlighted in this section.  Some
products contain a minute amount of gluten and may not have a noticeable
physical affect, but may cause internal damage.   is the ActionLine's
goal.  Medical research has established one standard for damage to the
gut, but it is still unknown how much gluten or if repeated exposure to
small amounts of gluten will increase a celiacs' chance of certain
cancers or cause subtle changes, such as lassitude and depression.
 
Nebulous terms must be researched until a satisfactory answer is obtained
that the item is free of any toxic protein.  When those terms are found
on a label, we must routinely verify that it has not changed.  If
adequate information is obtained and fellow celiacs do not report any
adverse reactions, those products should not be left out of your diet.
Some celiacs limit labels with nebulous terms to only a few products, in
order to reduce the amount of time spent on routine verification.  When
in doubt leave it out, is the best course of action.
 
Gluten can be added to a product as an ingredient, through cross
contamination, or as a result of the manufacturing process.  When all
gluten is kept out of a celiac's diet, the best quality of life is
enjoyed.  Each person must determine their preferred life style and how
careful they will be in avoiding hidden toxic proteins.
 
A.  La Choy Soy Sauce now has wheat listed as an ingredient on newer
bottles of the soy sauce.  (11)
 
B.  Burger King is currently testing a new french fry in several markets
which includes wheat protein (gluten) and whey.  For further information,
call Burger King (305-378-3535) .
 
C.  Louis Rich Turkey Summer Sausage is the correct name for the product
mentioned in the January 96 issues of The ActionLine.  It was removed
from the company's GF list.
 
D.  Rice Noodles were traditionally made from rice flour.  There are
different styles available but routinely they are called rice noodles.  A
recent review of the Orchids brand, showed these ingredients on the
label: Rice Flour, Corn Starch, Flour.  Since Flour is now the third
ingredient all rice noodles should be inspected to determine if all
ingredients are GF.
 
E.  PREVALEAN is a nutritious and low fat combination of cherries in a
hamburger mixture that is used in some Michigan school lunch programs.
Unfortunately it contains oat bran and oat fiber.  (12)