<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Mary Courtney shared some very interesting information regarding "chometz" and a list of such items as being an appropriate guideline to steering clear of gluten containing medications and make-up. However, I would like to caution the non-Passover observers on this list that there is much more involved in a product being declared "chometz" or not kosher for Passover. First of all, since the appearance of Lact-Aid on this list did not strike me as likely, I called 1 (800) LACTAID and spoke with Susan yesterday afternoon. The reason Lact-Aid products are not considered kosher for Passover is because it is cost prohibitive for the manufacturer (McNeill) to produce it under the rabbinic supervision necessary. To produce products that are "Kosher for Passover" a company must shut down and clean both physically and ritually under the supervision of a rabbi. The suppliers of the ingredients used must also comply with this supervision. I was assured that the lactase enzyme used contains no gluten and while the ingredients in the caplets should be gf, McNeill could not get such guarantees from their suppliers therefore they will not guarantee that their products are gf. They do not use flour on their assembly of the caplets (I specifically asked). I have used the drops (lactase enzyme, glycerin and water) and caplets (the formula has just changed) for many years without incident -- presuming that with the frequency with which I use these products even a minimal effect would be cumulative and felt. This is obviously a judgement call but I can't help but feel that the Lact-Aid people have really antsy lawyers. I would like to reiterate that not everything that is considered "chometz" contains gluten. Rice that I bought before Passover would be considered "chometz" and I would have to buy some that is "Kosher for Passover" -- although technically rice is a bad example because it is not usually considered an acceptable food during Passover anyway (nor is corn or any foods processed with corn syrup although there seems to be some discussion on that last item). A better example might be matzoh (which we, as celiacs steer far, far away from) which is manufactured and sold all year round. However, the only matzoh an observant Jew will eat during Passover is that which was baked in a facility that was cleaned and inspected under rabbinical supervision. Any other matzoh would be considered "chometz". For those of you who are seeking to avoid all milk and milk products, however, the label "pareve" may make your label reading quicker. Under the dietary laws of koshruth, you may not eat milk with meat (or vice versa). The term "pareve" indicates a food that can be eaten with either such as eggs, tomato sauce (no cheese or meat), margarine (that does not contain any milk), etc. I would still recommend reading the label because I am not certain where casein would fall. I would think that a "pareve" item could not contain any milk at all including casein which is a milk protein but I don't keep kosher. All of this is pretty confusing but I am sure that any rabbi in your area would be happy to clarify this for you. In the meantime, happy Chanukah one and all! Jane [log in to unmask]