The Myth of Hidden Gluten
It appears to have escaped the attention of some, but gluten is not permitted to ‘hide’ in food. Gluten has to be declared in ingredients lists — in the form of wheat, barley, rye or oats. The name of the…
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labelling & law
Why is gluten free food so expensive?
“Supermarket gluten-free food rip-off” said the Sun. “The gluten-free food price shock” said the Mail. The stories were based on research by Channel 4’s Supershoppers, which was screened yesterday at 8.30pm. The claim? That gluten-free shoppers are being diddled by…
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The Problem with “Free From Gluten”
I once flagged up to acquaintances from various corners of the ‘free from’ industry the wrapping from a paleo bar bearing the expression “Free From Gluten”. The legally permitted term, according to legislation (see clause 44), is “Gluten Free”. As you…
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Onion allergy, kiwi allergy, garlic allergy, spice allergy, banana allergy …
When it comes to food allergies and intolerances, most of the talk is about gluten and the top 14 allergens — mainly milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soya, gluten grains and sesame. Labelling legislation requires manufacturers to emphasise (typically in bold) these…
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Schrödinger’s Oats
Labelling-wise, gluten is not an allergen — as I wrote a month ago — but oats are. Oats are one of the ‘cereals containing gluten’ as defined by the EU. They were included because they are normally contaminated with wheat…
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CAMRA, Confusion and Cocoa
Last Monday, 16th November, the Independent published an article – CAMRA: UK’s biggest organiser of beer festivals refuses to stock ales from breweries that don’t provide full list of ingredients. The paper billed the move by CAMRA (The Campaign for…
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New Guidance on Free-From Allergen Claims
The British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation, in partnership with Coeliac UK and the Anaphylaxis Campaign, have issued a new guidance document to manufacturers and caterers on making ‘free from’ claims. You can read it here. Key…
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Gluten and dairy are not allergens
The list of 14 allergens can be seen here. Gluten and dairy are not on it. But gluten-containing cereals and milk are. This is not a trivial distinction. Tesco currently have a milk free section and a separate dairy free…
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May contain nuts – and peanuts too?
Most readers will know that tree nuts are one of the key 14 allergens, and that peanuts – a legume, botanically, not a nut – are another of the 14. Accordingly, when either is present in a food product, it…
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Subway tales and takeaway stories
There is no obligation for any food service outlet to provide for any specialist diet, and those with allergies and intolerances don’t have a right to be catered for by any business. But you’d think by now, with the gluten-free…
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