Monday, May 23, 2016

May 2016 Meeting Summary

MAY IS NATIONAL CELIAC AWARENESS MONTH.  

The May meeting of the Prescott Area Celiac and Gluten Free Support Group was held on Tuesday, May 10th from 12-2PM, at the Prescott Valley Public Library. 

We have been among this nationally recognized group for some time now and yet there are still those out there that think eating  gluten free is a "fad" or a "trend".  It is our responsibility to "kindly" remind our friends, family, co-workers and especially restaurant staff that eating gluten free is not a choice for us, but a true medical necessity!  Every time we ingest a small amount of gluten, we set our body back and it has too struggle to neutralize the enemy we ate.  You may call it getting "nuked" or glutenized, but either way it is critical to reduce this possibility.


Labeling of gluten-free food changed when Congress approved the new labeling law in August 2014.  Food companies can now claim they are gluten free by having 20ppm (parts per million) of gluten. For many, if not all that have Celiac or Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance this is still too much gluten to ingest 3 times per day!!  At our May 10th meeting everyone received handouts of an interview with the FDA discussing whether they think the new gluten-free laws are working. Extra handouts are still available.

In keeping with this same train of thought, we discussed food companies that have dedicated gluten free facilities.  Their products will not be cross-contaminated with wheat products.  Bob's  Red Mill, Kinnickinnick, and Schaar are among a few.  If you are still having symptoms, perhaps you are eating products that have been cross-contaminated in the processing plant.  Too make matters even more complicated many of the small gluten free companies have been bought out by major mainstream corporations.  Info on that will be sent to you separately.

Looking forward to seeing you at our next meeting June 14th.
Renee and Linda