WakeMed Cary Celiac Support Group

07/30/2025

Facts to keep in mind about FDA labeling: Just a bit of a refresher. Not all of the labeling nuances are included, so if you have any questions, please ask.

03/04/2025

🤔 Think you know the facts about the gluten-free diet? Let's put your knowledge to the test! Drop your guesses in the comments below! 👇

01/21/2025

Summary of Oats testing....

Summary of 2024 oat testing data from Gluten Free Watchdog...
Twenty-six products (representing 1+ packages of each product) were tested in 2024 that contained oats as an ingredient. Five of these 26 products tested with quantifiable gluten in at least one test portion (3 of these products were from the same store brand—Trader Joe’s). Three of the 5 products tested out of compliance with the gluten-free labeling rule (2 of the 3 products were from the same store brand—Trader Joe’s). The 3 products testing out of compliance listed an oat ingredient as the only or first ingredient.

A closer look at Trader Joe’s brand gluten-free rolled oats...
Gluten Free Watchdog commissioned testing on 7 bags of Trader Joe’s gluten-free rolled oats. The results represent a microcosm of potential gluten cross contact in oats. The test report is available on the public side of the website. See https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/product/trader-joes-gluten-free-rolled-oats-2024/1372). As you can see from the results, oat cross contact with gluten-containing grains may be highly heterogeneous (i.e., not evenly distributed). Levels of cross contact can vary widely between different lots, within the same lot, and within the same product package.

How do manufacturers ensure oats labeled gluten-free are in compliance with the gluten-free labeling rule? That is the million-dollar question. But in the opinion of Gluten Free watchdog, the approach must include:

1. The “cleanest” oats possible (ideally via a purity protocol)
2. Optical and mechanical sorting to remove any remaining errant grain
3. Testing, testing, and more testing.

Suppliers and manufacturers can test to find gluten and they can test to not find gluten. What is testing to not find gluten? Testing a single sample portion from an entire lot of oats. What is testing to find gluten? Testing multiple sample portions from the entire oat stream coming into the processing plant and testing multiple sample portions of finished product.

Are you wondering about Gluten Free Watchdog’s current position on oats?
Gluten Free Watchdog as an organization, is unable to recommend any particular brand of gluten-free oats. This does not mean that Gluten Free Watchdog recommends against oats or that you shouldn’t eat oats. Please learn as much as possible about the issues around oats. What you choose to eat is personal, and this includes whether or not to eat gluten-free oats. Whatever you decide, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Note: If you do eat oats, please make sure the product label includes a gluten-free claim. Also, remember that the term “gluten-free” when used in the ingredients list may be considered intervening material and a misbranding violation by the FDA. In other words, oats may be gluten-free even if this is not stated in the ingredients list. Again, look for a gluten-free claim on the label.

11/28/2024

Thank you all for being here to support each other! Hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

10/31/2024

Urgent Recommendation Update October 31, 2024: Until further notice, Gluten Free Watchdog recommends that those with celiac disease not eat Trader Joe’s gluten-free products that contain as ingredients rolled oats or organic rolled oats. Testing continues...

10/19/2024

🚨 Massive recall alert! Nearly 12 million pounds of popular poultry and meat items from brands like Trader Joe’s, Target, Costco, and more have been recalled due to listeria concerns. Check your refrigerators and freezers—these products should be thrown away! Stay safe and check the full list of affected items. For more information: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/brucepac-recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria?os=fuzzscan2odtr&ref=app

10/11/2024

Your help is crucial. Many have lost everything and urgently need gluten-free food. We are seeking volunteers to drive and transport products from our warehouse in Wyoming to the affected areas of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina.

Emergency relief often lacks gluten-free options, creating a critical situation for those who rely on them. If you can help, please contact us at caresadmin@gigcares.org

10/02/2024

**UPDATE - due to the overwhelming support for this post (thank you!) we have decided to put a donate button below. 100% of donations that we receive on this and related posts by the end of the day Friday (10/4) will be used to get more GF food for Hunger & Health Coalition. Thank you!**

Hurricane Helene’s massive destruction across the Southeast has left hundreds of thousands of people relying on food distribution and other emergency services.

Members of the celiac and gluten free community are especially vulnerable during times of crisis. That’s why our Feeding Gluten Free program is here.

We were able to identify Hunger & Health Coalition, Inc. - a food pantry that works with RDs in Boone, NC. We confirmed that there are passable roads in for delivery, and through our Feeding Gluten Free program we were able to purchase lots of gluten free foods for their patrons! We are grateful to be able to help in times when we are needed most. 💛

09/08/2024

Celebrating 50 years of the Gluten Intolerance Group, and learning about the history of Celiac disease advocates and champions from two pioneers, GIG CEO Cynthia Kelly and Registered Dietitian and Author Shelly Case

07/04/2024

Happy 4th everyone! Stay safe and cool!

Happy 4th and enjoy the holiday weekend! Here are some barbecue safety tips for people with celiac disease.

1. Be careful with shared surfaces!

Shared surfaces can cause cross contact with gluten.

Scrubbing the grill grid is not always possible, but you can put down aluminum foil for cooking gluten-free items.

Do not use utensils interchangeably between foods, always use separate utensils like tongs and spatulas.

Serve gluten-free foods on a separate clean plate.

2. Check labels

Make sure to check the labels for gluten-free status of all sauces, marinades, salad dressings, and condiments used.

Squeeze bottles are great for condiments and avoid issues with “double dipping”

3. Keep foods separate

Cook gluten-free items separately from gluten-containing foods; it is best to make the gluten-free ones first to avoid cross-contact.

Beware of crumbs from gluten-containing buns, and keep them separate from gluten-free foods.

4. Practice food safety

Always wash hands in between handling gluten-containing foods and handling gluten-free foods.

5. BYO!

When in doubt, bring your own food, or a dish or two to share. This will help you guarantee there are safe options for you.

We have delicious recipes for gluten-free foods on our website! nationalceliac.org