HOW DO I READ LABELS?

Reading labels is a daunting task for anyone Celiac or not. The good news is that a food labeling law will go into effect by January 2006. Until then we must read labels and call companies. Reading labels is not only for food but also for medicine etc. This is a very difficult area. Watch for mini workshops where we discuss how to read a label.

Here are some tips to help decode food labels:

• Wheat free is NOT gluten free
• Wheat starch is gluten
• Modified food starch may be derived from wheat
• Hydrolyzed plant and vegetable protein may be from a gluten source
• Soy sauce may contain wheat
• Mono & dyglycerides need to be checked
• Processed Cheese needs to be checked

Example #1:

What's Wrong: What is the source of the Maltodextrin? Maltodextrin can be derived from either wheat or corn. Therefore, you would need to check with the company to see if this is a gluten/free product.

Example #2:

What's Wrong: Distilled vinegar has been considered safe for a celiac. On this particular label, when the manufacturer was contacted, the distilled vinegar has malt in it. Malt is NOT gluten/free. The carmel source can be wheat or corn - this needs to be checked by calling the manufacturing company. Despite only having two items to check, according to the manufacturer this is NOT a gluten/free item. Example #3: What's Wrong: Reading this label appears to be a daunting task. The circled items MAY be gluten/free, but they also may have gluten and must be checked further. Despite having to check many gluten items, this label comes from a gluten free product.

For a complete listing see the New Member Packet available for all Members.

If you are unsure of a product please follow our motto.

The American Celiac Family Support Groups Motto is: "WHEN IN DOUBT LEAVE IT OUT!"