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

After our daughter had another gluten-like reaction to a elastic band
put in her mouth by her orthodontist (without warning her of what he
was doing), I called the elastic band manufacturer, 3M.  At first the
representative thought that she was reacting to the latex in the
product.  However, after some research, the technical support
specialist confirmed that the elastic bands are coated with a "starch
powder."  He could not confirm whether the powder contained wheat, but
based on our daughter's experience, I would say it does.

When I suggested that they label their product  to indicate the
presence of wheat (they already label the presence of latex and warn
that some folks are allergic to it) or at least a starch powder (which
would trigger concern among the celiac community), he said he would
forward my comments to the regulatory branch and they would investigate
it, looking into health risks, laws and regulations, and consulting
with the FDA.  Didn't sound too promising, but maybe we can convince
them that it would be good for business if they went beyond
requirements out of concern for their patients.  Even better - switch
to something other than wheat starch!!!

I will follow up on this and see if I can get them to change their
labels.  But it is official -- those little elastic band on braces are
in starch powder, even though it is not visually obvious that a powder
is present.

By the way, our daughter is OK if she rinses the elastic bands
thoroughly before putting them in her mouth.

Jackie in AZ

* Please remember some posters may be WHEAT-FREE, but not GLUTEN-FREE *