Gluten food labels - What to look out for

When observing food labels, Gluten can be hiding in many forms. I recommend you take extra care in examining food labels extensively, especially at first as Gluten appears in forms such as:

• Starch
• Modified food starch – this is only when the starch originates from wheat instead of maize.
• Vegetable proteins
• Glucose syrup (except those originating from wheat, barley and dextrose that have now been declared safe by European Food Safety Authority – EFSA)
• Malt zest

Maltodextrin (a food additive produced from starch) was formerly in this list as well, but is now considered to be Gluten Free. Note: Maybe be gluten free if not made from wheat.

Look out for the Coeliac and Dermatitis Herpetiformis Charity Cross Grain Symbol on foods. Although currently it is not a legal requirement that this symbol be placed on foods, many manufacturers do display it and you can be guaranteed that any food that bares the symbol is:

• Gluten Free
• Suitable for people suffering from Coeliac disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis
• Suitable to include in your Gluten Free Diet

 

Be Careful When Preparing Food At Home

Normal wheat flour can be a major pain at home, as 12% of its makeup is Gluten! Even if a tiny amount gets mixed in with your food, it can still cause major discomfort so please be extra careful.

 

               

    

 

Advertisement Felicity's Gluten Free Handbook is a complete guide for gluten intolerance, recipes and healthier lifestyle options. By following just 6 simple steps, you can avoid gluten free diet cramps and pain while still enjoying all of your favorite foods! Felicity's Gluten Free Handbook will guide you through living a happy gluten free life in the easy way.

Advertisement The Gluten Free Bible is an insiders guide to going gluten free. Gluten free veteran uncovers 7 common gluten free rookie mistakes. The Gluten Free Bible introduces easy step by step guide that makes going gluten free a breeze!

 

References:

• Gluten-Free Diet, The Ohio State University Medical Center
• MGH Nutrition Services 2008. "Gluten Free Diet" - Massachusetts General Hospital. www.mgh.harvard.edu
• Mayo Clinic Staff, Food allergies: Watch food labels for these top 8 allergens, www.mayoclinic.com 2009

 

What Next? Digg It > Bookmark > Share This
(This page last modified : December 14, 2011)