reading labels

[mommy of four]

Hello, we are new to the site, and the world of celiac disease. My eight year old daughter was recently diagnosed with CD and I am looking for support and have many questions.
Of most concern to me: If a label does not list any gluten ingredients does that make it safe, or does the label need to specifically say gluten free to be safe. This question is causing me a great deal of stress so if someone could shed some light for me, I would feel alot better.
Thanks,
Amanda

[aklap]

Hi Amanda,

Welcome to the board! You've come to the right place

Sorry to hear you have to go thru this. Fear not!! We can help you.

If you're just starting out, it will be easier to strip your diet back to whole foods [foods processed very little] like fresh fruits and veggies. Plain meat, poultry and seafood - no marinades. Things less processed have fewer ingredients to read. Ever find an ingredient list on a head of broccoli?

It takes awhile to figure out all the place that gluten hides - it's a lot! But stripping your diet back will help get your feet on the ground.

If you haven't done so, please check out Our Thread on GF Diet Boot Camp - Basics in getting started on the diet. Thgere's lots of good info there.

One such item is: How to read the labels

Another tip you'll find in there is...a purchase products from GF friendly companies like:

Kraft Family Product List - A list of all the products Kraft has.
Unilever Family Product List - A list of all the products Unilever has.
ConAgra Foods Family Product List - A list of all the products ConAgra Foods has.
Hormel Family Product List - A list of all the products Hormel Foods has.

The above companies have excellent labeling practices. They will not hide gluten [wheat, barely, rye or oats]. They go above and beyond what it legally required. By law only wheat must be listed as an allergen. We must also watch for barely, rye and oats...

Don't be afraid to ask questions...we've all been in your shoes...we know what it's like to lost and confused over this. It took me a good 3-6 months before I felt I had a handle on this gluten thing. Finally at 1 year, I was fully immersed and had become 2nd nature. I think we can lessen that time frame by a lot!

Good luck in your GF Journey!!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[cruelshoes]

Hi, Amanda. Al has given you good advice above. I will also add the following information.

Try to stick to companies with celiac-friendly labeling practices. See this link. These are companies that will not hide gluten ingredients.

Secondly, here are lists of safe and forbidden ingredients. When my son and I were first diagnosed, I printed them off and took them with me to the grocery store.

My son is 9. He was diagnosed more tham 2 years ago, just after I was. I felt like sobbing every time I walked into the grocery store back then, but now I breeze through in not much more time than I did before we went GF. It does get better as time goes on, just trust me.

I will also add that celiac is a genetic condition. You probably already know this, but all of your daughter's first degree relatives (parents and siblings) should be tested. This is whether or not they are having symptoms. We screened all my kids after I was diagnosed, and my son was positive even though he was asymptomatic.

Jump in anytine and ask questions. If you do a search on the forum, you will find lots of GF treasures.
_________________
-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
10-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters (12 and 2) have neg. bloodwork

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

[ostrich]

Welcome Amanda! I just wanted to add that we have an awesome recipe section. If you can't buy what you're looking for, maybe you can make it. Don't hesitate to ask questions. We're here to help.
_________________
Ostrich :>--O==={

I lie below, you float above
In the pretty white ships that I am dreaming of