A cut-out-and-keep guide to so-called GF labelling...
WHAT’S in a label? They are supposed to give us confidence about a product but, when you’re a coeliac, it’s an unfortunate fact that, in many cases, bizarre labels just add to the confusion.
In a bid to tackle this issue and help you and your loved ones eat safely I’ve compiled a list to help guide you through the GF maze.
For peace of mind, cut this out, stick it on the inside of one of your kitchen cupboards and ask anyone shopping for you to take a picture of it with their smartphone. Happy shopping!
GLUTEN-FREE: Maximum level of 20ppm gluten meaning it is safe for all coeliacs and those with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. This term is covered by law.
VERY LOW GLUTEN — Contains more than the limit of 20ppm gluten and less than 100ppm. This term is covered by law. Thought to be suitable for the majority of coeliacs though individual discretion is required.
NO GLUTENCONTAINING
INGREDIENTS: Made from gluten-free ingredients but the product may contain gluten due to crosscontamination. This term is not covered by law. Not recommended for coeliacs. SUITABLE FOR COELIACS: Coeliacs should only eat this if the label also reads gluten-free. If it doesn’t you cannot be guaranteed the product has less than 20ppm gluten.
GLUTEN-FRIENDLY: Nonsense.
REDUCED-GLUTEN: Nonsense.
NATURALLY GLUTEN-FREE: This product is made from ingredients that do not contain gluten but may contain gluten due to cross-contamination.
MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF GLUTEN, MADE ON A LINE HANDLING WHEAT, MADE IN FACTORY ALSO HANDLING
WHEAT: The manufacturer cannot guarantee that this product does not contain gluten, and cannot state how much gluten maybe in it. Not recommended for coeliacs. GLUTEN-HAPPY, GLUTEN-LIGHT ETC: Intelligence-light. Often seen on handwritten signs on market stalls. Avoid.
GLUCOSE SYRUPS DERIVED FROM WHEAT OR BARLEY
INCLUDING DEXTROSE: The grain has been processed to remove the gluten. Safe for coeliacs. WHEAT-BASED MALTODEXTRINS: The grain has been processed to remove the gluten. Safe for coeliacs. DISTILLED INGREDIENTS MADE FROM CEREALS THAT CONTAIN GLUTEN, FOR EXAMPLE, ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS: The grain has been processed to remove the gluten. Safe for coeliacs. GLUCOSE SYRUP FROM WHEAT: The grain has been processed to remove the gluten. Safe for
coeliacs.
WHEAT DEXTROSE: The grain has been processed to remove the gluten. Safe for coeliacs. SPELT: Contains gluten. Not safe for coeliacs. KHORASAN WHEAT (COMMERCIALLY KNOWN AS KAMUT®): Contains gluten. Not safe for coeliacs. THE CROSSED GRAIN SYMBOL: This has been hijacked by some of the big supermarkets, meaning there are lots of different versions out there. However the Crossed Grain symbol, pictured inset, is nationally and internationally recognised by those who need to follow a gluten-free diet as it is promoted by coeliac organisations worldwide. The Crossed Grain symbol represents a sign of safety and integrity.