ONCE AGAIN A BIG THANKS TO AL!

[Judy]

Thanks for all your hard work, Al. My darling hubby woke up this morning feeling miserable - gassy stomach. I thought I'd glutened him, but was fairly sure the ham I'd given him for supper last evening was GF. I knew I'd seen a lot of Hormel products were gluten free, including their black label ham. I searched the forums and of course, thanks to Al, the HOrmel list is here. Thanks so much for all your hard work, Al. I know I appreciate it very much. It makes the task of feeding my husband much easier. You're the best!
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Judy

[The Edifying Conscience]

Judy,
The lists that the companies and different CD forums produce are really great, but they are not always up to date. I use the lists to get a general idea as to what is/was GF. Then I call the manufacturer to verify the GF status for every new product I bring into my home. It's tedious and time consuming but my health has gone from okay to great as a result. I only buy name brand products because they have often have and 800 number printed on the label. I still read every label and if there is a questionable ingredient I call the manufacturer again. Most of the time, I can get the GF question answered within 2 minutes.

TEC

[aklap]

Hi Judy,

Gosh...Gee...Golly...THANKS! Thanks for the kind words. They are taken to heart and are appreciated. I just remember how hard is figuring all this stuff out. Luckily I had people do the same for me...so I'm just giving back what was given to me.

TEC is right about the lists. Always check the status by reading the label or calling the maker. But I know the list you speak of - it is directly from Hormel - it is not a list the someone or some forum has created or maintained. Hormel is a VERY GF friendly company - so reading their label will ALWAYS tell you if it's GF or not. While I trust the direct lists more than the other lists...it still doesn't hurt to verify by email or phone. Just in case the changes didn't get updated on the web. Usually they will date the updates - so you can tell.

I know I keep pushing the Safe & Forbidden Food Ingredient List all the time. There is a good reason. Once you know those lists, you will be able to read labels and tell if a product is GF. Of course that leaves the "modified food starch" and natural flavors in question...but...if you know that a company is GF friendly...that's a piece of cake too

TEC - I amazed that you can get a GF status in 2 min on the phone. Of course I do most of my contact via email. When ever I've called...it's sit on hold.

Keep up the good work everyone!!
_________________
Al

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

[The Edifying Conscience]

Al,
I've got my speal[sic] down. I call with the product right in front of me so I can give them any numbers, etc. and I always ask a direct question...I'm calling to find out the source of the modified food starch. The product lists dextrose, I need to know if it is wheat or corn based. The product lists natural flavorings as an ingredient can you tell me if it is gluten based or not. I always say something like "I just love your chocolate covered ants I'm not sure how I would be able to live if I couldn't eat your ants anymore. Could you please check to see if they are gluten free." Sometimes, companies will call me back but normally they do so within a couple of hours. Then I thank them profusely and tell them I'll pass on the information to my family and friends with CD. It's a win/win situation.

You're correct about the big food manufacturers lists--Hormel, Kraft, etc. Just watch the dates of when the list was last updated.

TEC