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

Yesterday I posted a note about possible gluten in Rice Dream and promised to
look through my notes.  I just got off the phone with David Nickerson, Consumer
Affairs Manager, Imagine Foods (415) 327-1444.

David confirmed to me that  _all_  flavors of Rice Dream use barley enzymes in
the preparation of the rice.  I had been warned of this fact by California
Natural Products, which also uses these barley enzymes for making some of their
rice syrups.  C.N.P. told me that although they do their best to wash out all
the barley, there is the potential for gluten residue and they cannot certify
their product as gluten free.

David said that many Celiacs report using Rice Dream without having a problem.
Each person must make their own decision about this issue.  Some Celiac support
groups warn that there is no established minimum level of gluten ingestion
without damage, and that even if you don't feel bad after eating something with
gluten, your intestines can be damaged and long term health problems can
result.  I have no personal experience with this (my son is only seven).

In addition, David confirmed that the vanilla used in Vanilla Rice Dream is
prepared from grain alcohol.  Many celiac groups warn that products prepared
with grain alcohol can also contribute a gluten residue to the end-product
(unless it is 100% corn alcohol).

David said that his company is aware of the gluten residue issue but feels at
this time that the flavor of the product would be compromised by using other
methods of preparation.

Bill Elkus