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

November 15, 1994

Rich Melodia
American Airlines
Catering Dept.
PO Box 619623
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
Texas 75261-9623


Dear Rich,
We have just returned from our trip to PV, Mexico, via
Boston and Dallas. Thank you for contacting the caterer in
Boston. He called  my husband before our trip to make sure
he had the meal set up  right and he did!

However, on the Dallas leg of the journey to PV 10/27/94, flight
#535, my husband was given an oat bran cookie (package
enclosed).  Someone should inform the caterers in Dallas that a
Gluten Free  meal should NEVER contain anything with wheat, oats,
barley or rye. The rest of the meal on that flight was wonderful.

Do you think the caterers at all sights need to be reminded again
just what a Gluten free diet means? If you need any materials, I can
get them for you from the Celiac Sprue Association.

Here is a brief explanation that we use on the Prodigy Computer
network:

   For anyone who might ask "what is gluten free?" ...most people on
   this restricted diet have been diagnosed as having Celiac Sprue.
   Others have a specific skin rash called Dermatitis Herpetiformis
   (DH). People suffering from either condition cannot eat the gluten
   found in wheat, rye, barley or oats. In the Celiac, a product in
   the gluten destroys the villi in the small intestine, causing
   malabsorption and severe intestinal problems. Those with DH
   suffer a severe itchy skin rash which appears predominantly
   on the elbows and knees. People who, for other reasons, are on a
   wheat-free diet can eat gluten-free. Celiacs are restricted to
   several flours including rice, corn, potato, soy and tapioca flours.

Again, thank you for your attention to this important medical matter.

Melody Gabriel
---------------
Rich is the person at AA who is in charge of catering. I
call him when we are taking a trip to make sure Bob gets the
correct meal. One of our friends did not get a GF meal and
AA sent her a $75 voucher. And, one final note. My first
name is Melody, his last name is Melodia...I told him "Thank
goodness I didn't marry him!!