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

We have received 7 replies to our request for the GF status of quinoa --
specifically quinoa flakes of "100% steam-rolled organic quinoa".  A very
mixed bag of reponses:

(1)  Eat and enjoy -- quinoa is gluten-free.

(2)  Quinoa is not a grain -- it is gf but may, like everything, cause
allergic reactions.  Biggest problems exist when ground into flour -- easily
contaminated especially w/ stone grinding.

(3)  Yes -- it is GF.

(4)  Recently bought a package of pasta made from quinoa which stated "wheat
free" and "gluten free".  24 hours later had diarrhea.  Had thrown out box, so
couldn't contact manufacturer to ask.

(5)  Most say NO, quinoa is not OK.  Some will tell you YES.  I go on the safe
side and avoid it.  If you get a "grain tree" diagram, you will see quinoa is
very close to wheat, rye, barley.  Too close for me.

(6)  Quinoa is a hotly debated garin among celiacs.  It is technically GF as
long as there was no cross-contamination during growing or processing.

(7)  Despite its rejection by one large celiac support group, the majority of
celiac experts consider quinoa to be gluten free.  A lengthy discussion by Dr.
Don Kasarda of USDA of quinoa and other exotic grains is available by sending
an email to [log in to unmask] with the message: GET CELIAC
GRAINS.

We sent such an email and received an almost immediate reply of a document
(about 9 pages) which required downloading and printing and which was most
informative and interesting.

We look forward to more replies.

Happy Holidays
Carl & Diane Bryan
Bakersfield, CA