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

After two obvious reactions (one an accidental blind test) to the Zesty
Parmesan flavored version of Edward & Sons Brown Rice Snaps, I called the
American distributor to ask them to double check the sources of the
ingredients and to make certain of their gluten-free claims. These rice
crackers are made in Japan, and this particular flavor includes miso
flavoring derived from soybeans. Since many miso are derived from barley, I
asked Edward & Sons to see whether a barley enzyme is inadvertently used in
the miso making process. I also asked them to find out what salt enzymes
are. Here's the ingredient list: Brown Rice, Parmesan Cheese (Milk, Salt
Enzymes), Jalapeno Miso (Soybeans, Rice, Salt, Water, Onion, Garlic, Natural
Herbs and Spices), Corn Oil, Salt. I want to add that I have not had any
trouble with the Plain and Tamari-seaweed versions.

As many of you remember, I am very lactose intolerant, but can digest
parmesan and well-aged cheddar, as well as homemade yoghurt, with no
difficulty. Two times after eating these crackers, I experienced none of the
belly-ache I would get if they contained lactose, but instead suffered (a
few hours after ingestion) the "just shoot me now" headache, and (the next
morning) diarrhea and extreme lethargy.

And while my symptoms are fresh in my memory, does anyone else wake up
(after gluten) feeling like someone kicked them in the kidneys?

If anyone else suspects this product, please notify Kristie Werz who handles
incoming consumer phone calls for Edward & Sons at 516-673-9894.

Thanks for your attention to yet another celiac consumer concern.

Mary Courtney
[log in to unmask]
Los Angeles, California