<<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!!