<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Here is the input from the Celiac Listserv regarding horseradish and vinegar as excerpted from five [5] very thoughtful replies: ______________ My ___ is gluten intolerant; I make vinegars for her and here's what the scoop is on it. When they distill vinegar, it's distilled with barley, oats, etc. and so it makes it impossible for the gluten intolerant to eat anything "distilled." I make my own vinegar from a mother-source - a type of bacteria, wine, and water. It's recommended you do it this way if you like vinegar. It's really not hard, and any on-line wine supplier or store will have the "mother vinegars." ______________ My understanding of the debate is that many believe all of the offending gluten is removed during the distillation process. Those with Celiac disease who are very sensitive may still react to this distilled product. One could question that even though only a sensitive Celiac may react, is the quantity of gluten to which they are reacting still doing silent damage to the others? ______________ When I was first diagnosed with celiac disease I ground my own horseradish root and used cider vinegar. (Heinz) After a few years and a bit more scuttlebutt from other celiacs I decided to try the commercial brands. I have tried them and have no problems. I really think they are fine since I am very sensitive to gluten. ______________ The Celiac Sprue Association products listings book lists the following brands of horseradish as gluten free: Axelrod, Boar's Head, Crowley, Duke's and Manischevitz. As to the kind of vinegar used, there is an ongoing controversy as to which vinegars may or may not be GF (gluten free). Some hold that distilled vinegars are not GF because they are often distilled from glutinous grains. Others of a more scientific bent who understand the process of distillation insist that distilling rids the fluid of any extraneous substances and is therefore GF. I've been eating all vinegars I encounter since I was diagnosed six years ago, and I seem to be quite sensitive to small amounts of gluten, but have never had any problem with any vinegar -- yet. The same controversy exists about natural flavorings. Some say they are carried in alcohol, which may be grain alcohol, and therefore should be avoided. Others again hold that the distillation solves that problem and do not avoid the natural flavors. Again, my own anecdotal experience is that I've never yet had a problem with this. _____________ For the best and most accurate information on vinegar and gluten status of same, check out the second to the last issue of Gluten Free Living - a newsletter by Ann Whelan. Try ... http://www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/vinegar.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Note - This is perhaps the most comprehensive discussion of the subject, and merits review by any readers seeking more information. The concluding statements are reproduced here: ----------------------------- "Since there seems to be no firm basis for avoiding vinegar, it would be best for all celiacs if the controversy about this product was laid to rest; (some groups are moving in this direction). Then we can get on to more important things and help all celiacs feel more confident about their diet and their health. *** The one vinegar about which celiacs might have some concern is malt vinegar, which is made from "an infusion of barley malt or cereals," according to the Compliance Policy Guide. Also, a few vinegars do have flavoring or something else added back in after distillation. If so, that would be indicated on the label. ____________________ <Disclaimer> This is submitted as a collation, not medical opinion, by a teacher, yes, but more specifically by the dad of a celiac son. Many thanks to those who have replied thus far. JMS _______ John M. Stang, M.D. Powelson Professor of Medicine Assistant Dean for Student Counseling and Tutoring Office of Academic Services for Medical Education B-013D Grant Graves Hall 333 West Tenth Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43210-1239 [614] 292-1912 FAX -0745 Pager: 844-2223 (Digital or Voice Mail) Cell Phone Response: via Sprint PCS E-Mail: [log in to unmask]