Hidden Allergy Threats!

Hi all. I hope you all had a happy and peaceful holiday season. Mine was good, filled with family and friends and home made gluten free baked goods. So yummy! Yet, while I enjoyed my winter holidays, there was still the obligatory stress thrown in. We all feel it. And so, I breathe a sigh of relief my schedule can get back to some normalcy and reduce my stress levels.

Well, at least I thought I could. Surfing the web today I ran across a slightly old Chicago News Tribune article from November 2008 about hidden allergens in our grocery stores that are clearly marked Gluten Free. I was appalled!

How can the FDA allow this to continue? Don't they get it? We are not making a "diet choice" or a "moral choice" by not eating wheat & gluten. This is our only choice! Not to mention all of those that suffer from egg, dairy, nut, and soy allergies! We can't "cheat" one day and eat a bagel or piece of cake from the bakery. Or just "have a bite" of some chicken fried steak.

Though we'd love to! Even the smallest amount of wheat or gluten causes our bodies to attack itself and we get sick. While its not fair, its the way it is, and I wish, wish, WISH! that the FDA would take us seriously.

Please take a moment and read the article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-081120-allergens-tribune-investigation,0,506031.story?page=1

Then go to this website: http://www.regulations.gov/search/search_results.jsp?css=0&&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchall&N=8099&Ne=2+8+11+8053+8054+8098+8074+8066+8084+8055&Ntt=labeling&sid=11EB2087B75A and
send your comments to the FDA. Look for the 5th document down titled: Food Labeling; Current Trends in the Use of Allergen Advisory Labeling: Its Use, Effectiveness, and Consumer Perception; Public Hearing; Request for Comments you can read about the meeting the FDA had and how you can submit your comments and suggestions.

Hey, if we get enough people by January 14th to submit, perhaps they'll take a second look at taking our needs seriously.

Have a great and healthy Gluten Free day!