Hi Erin,
I am not sure about the flours - I would be inclined to think it was OK, but then most stores in the UK tend to have a completely separate section for GF foods. It can't help to mention it to the manager.

I would be surprised if medicines have gluten in them. I am not aware of any, but I am no pharmacist.

In general the advice is to avoid oats, although there is some research that says that some coeliacs can tolerate oats. However, most advice out there is to avoid oats altogether. I have 'wheat, oats, barley, rye' imprinted on my forehead I think!

Good luck
Keeley

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13

Helen

posted 30 Mar. 2009, 8:13 am

Hi,  Yes there is a risk of contamination for people with a very high sensitivity so it would be worth mentioning it to the Manager.  It depends on the packaging really, if the flour is in those useless sealed paper bags then I would say there is potential for cross contamination.

With regard to medications, again yes, some medicines do have gluten in and this should be mentioned to the pharmacist/GP.  I think it's mainly with tablets and not syrups though as the gluten is used to help bind the products together in a tablet form. 

Helen

Hi Erin,

First, check with pharmacy people for gluten ingredients and if they seem to not have a for sure answer for you google.  It's important!  My son was hospitalized and the meds he was given were not gluten free. This added to his illness and made more problems.  As parents we are charged with the single responsility of our children's well being.  I always suspect that either someone does not actually know the facts or doesn't take gluten intolerance seriously.

Second, have you tried speaking with store management about the gluten free products?  I purchase gluten free products which sit on a shelf next to gluten containing ingredients if they are NOT in bulk bins.  Bulk bins leave too much room for human error and when they are available to the public, well, I don't trust.

Oats are not considered a gluten containing product, although they are usually cut on the same equipment as wheat so they can contain gluten contamination.  There are gluten free oats. (Bob's Redmill) Although I know some Celiac's do not do well even with gluten free oats.  That is a personal trial and error thing.  We waited a long time before trying them with my son.  He seems to do well and has trouble with other things, so as long as they are guaranteed gluten free... but check with your Dr.

Contact me through my blog if you like.  I'm happy to help!

:)

www.lifeisgoodglutenfree.blogspot.com

I would bring it to the store managers attention. I don't think I would put it in my daughter body. Most mixes are sealed well but I would make sure you wash the counter and hands after opening and getting ride of the box. Other wise I think it would be ok.
Some medications do have gluten. I am not sure about Amoxicillan. There is a really good book out called Gluten Free shopping guide it has medication and vitamin list I believe it is updated every year. I believe some of the websites have list also.
There are Gluten Free Oats on the market and some people can eat them. My daughter had a reaction to them so we don't eat them.

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3

Leeann

posted 22 Apr. 2009, 6:26 am

My son is 2 years old and VERY sensitive to gluten. I would purchase a gf product next to a product containing gluten as long as it was sealed.
With Medication some does contain gluten but just ask your chemist before they make it up.. good luck

Meds do have gluten, you need to contact manufactures to find out which ones do & which ones don't.
Most Celiacs can't tolerate oats. I would avoid just to be safe.

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Angie

posted 16 Sep. 2009, 11:43 pm

I would never buy flower next to regular flower. You ever squeeze a bag when you pick it up and all that dust comes out? Or have you seen a spilled or leaking bag? But I will buy things like brownie mixes stocked next to betty crocker.

The only reactions that my son has had have been to oatmeal (that wasn't GF) and hot dogs (when a restaurant we use had a brand switch). So, yes, we definitely steer clear of the oats that are not specifically GF. I am not sure about the medications - I look into each one before he takes anything - but I am leery about certain types of Motrins....

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Barbara

posted January 16, 8:34 pm

Wheat, rye, oats, and barley... and anything made from them. That is what I have been reciting for years to everyone around us. My children are celiac, and cannot handle oats at all. Some can, many cannot, so it is safer to assume the worst and avoid them all together.
Thanks so much for bringing up the point about the grocery store isles. I have been so excited to see the products that I never thought about the possible cross-contamination. My husband works for our local Ingles, I will make sure he brings this up to the store manager, as well as get in touch with the main office about this issue.

I would NOT buy that flour! If for any reason any of those bags ripped open, cross contamination can occur. Once a bag of flour is opened it is airborne. Most definatly bring this to the attention of the store manager! More than likely they will not know what kind of effect this has! I would also not go with the oats! Your child could end up having a reaction... you will get mixed replies on this but the rule in my house is, IF YOU DONT KNOW, WE DONT EAT IT. My son is 4 and he was diagnosed at 2, so this rule works for him! LOL! As far as the medication, dont be surprised if the pharmasist looks at you like you have 10 heads! Some people have yet to educate themselves on this! Amoxicilin is ok tho! But there are many meds that they cant have you just have to look them up the best website to go to is the celiac sprue association website.. I dont have the address offhand but if you google it you will find it. I purchased the guide it is about 30 dollars but it was my BIBLE for the first little while! It lists all meds in it too! Not just food. Also if you are looking for a fantastic shopping guide go to ceciliasmarketplace.com that guide fits in your purse and it is VERY easy reading! Makes shopping so much easier... that guide is about 20 bucks! If you were going to get one OR the other i would get the shopping guide, however it will not be money wasted if you were to get both.... they are very helpful! I really hope Ive helped you! If you have any more questions feel free to ask me, you can add me if you would like too!
Kerri Hunter

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Mollie

posted February 11, 11:23 am

I would not buy it. We do most of our shopping for my daughter at the health food stores like Whole Foods, Elliots, and Trader Joes. Also, we have found a lot of food on Amazon.com if you don't mind buying in bulk. As for the oats, I would suggest buying the Gluten Free ones, just to be safe. But, not all celiacs can tolerate oats. My daughter isn't able to.

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Karen

posted April 7, 11:31 am

Hi there, we've been managing a GF diet for over 10 years now for our celiac son. Regarding the flours and mixes at the grocery store, I personally would not be concerned if the GF ones are plastic bagged inside of their external packaging (many are). It wouldn't hurt to bring this to the attention of the store manager - sales might increase if the products are further separated. Many larger chains are creating a natural food section and placing their GF products there.

Medications - yes, many have gluten. Ask your pharmacist to call the manufacturer to confirm GF status. To be safe, I do this every time - for cough syrups, fever reducers, pain killers, and prescriptions. It takes a bit longer, but worth it in the end.

Although still a source of debate for many, I would not give my son oats of any kind - including cooked oatmeal.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Karen