Caution! Product mislabeled as GF at Trader Joe's

[Guest guest]

I wonder if this is a case where the product contains gluten but in such small amounts that they consider it gluten-free anyway. I had the experience a couple of years ago of finding a package of jerky labeled gluten-free on the front that listed wheat (in soy sauce) on its label. The manufacturer said that because the product tested at less than 20 ppm gluten, they could label it gluten-free even though it contained wheat. The FDA is a year and a half past due in releasing its regulations about gluten-free food, so at the moment it is the wild west out there for manufacturers. If a manufacturer decides that their product can be labeled GF even though it contains wheat, they can. Currently there is no regulation as to the definition of gluten-free; there is only a requirement to list wheat as an ingredient; otherwise it is buyer beware. The frustrating thing is, the FDA is considering adopting the “if it tests at less than 20 ppm it’s gluten-free no matter what it contains” guideline. I expressed my objections about this proposed regulation to the FDA during their input phase on this. I feel the regulation serves manufacturers well, but will be detrimental to the health of celiacs and others eating gluten-free. I would suggest that anyone who has bought the product or has seen it contact Trader Joe’s and ask about the labeling. Whether this is intentional or just an error, it emphasizes the need to always read labels no matter what the claim. Information and awareness are our best allies in avoiding gluten. Pam From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Jackiie DefendisSent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:31 PM Subject: [ ] Caution! Product mislabeled as GF at Trader Joe's Trader Joes has a new product in the frozen food section. It's shitaki mushrooms and tofu with rice. One side of the packaging indicates that it's vegan and gluten-free. However, it contains soy sauce and the ingredient list states " contains soy and wheat. " I pointed this out to the staff, they were surprised and they placed a sign near the product stating that it is not gluten-free and contains wheat.Buyer beware...and always read the ingredients list.