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  • Jefferson Adams
    Jefferson Adams

    Bakery Accused of Selling Dunkin' Donuts as Homemade Vegan, Gluten-Free Treats

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

    “We can only assume, given this recognizable logo design, where these donuts really came from and what other ingredients they might contain.”

    Bakery Accused of Selling Dunkin' Donuts as Homemade Vegan, Gluten-Free Treats - Image: Cindysnacks
    Caption: Image: Cindysnacks

    Celiac.com 03/27/2024 - For people living with celiac disease, finding safe and delicious gluten-free treats can be a challenging task. However, recent allegations against a bakery in Long Island, New York, have raised serious concerns about the authenticity and safety of gluten-free products.

    Cindysnacks, a vegan market in Huntington, Long Island, took to Instagram to accuse The Savory Fig, a Patchogue-based bakery, of attempting to pass off Dunkin' Donuts products as homemade vegan and gluten-free doughnuts. According to reports, the Division of Food Safety and Inspection department of New York and Suffolk County Department of Health are investigating the accusations.

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    The controversy arose when John Stengel, co-owner of Cindysnacks, discovered that doughnuts delivered by The Savory Fig bore an uncanny resemblance to Dunkin' Donuts products. The doughnuts were garnished with sprinkles that resembled the iconic "D" shaped sprinkles found on Dunkin' Donuts treats. Concerned about the authenticity and safety of the doughnuts, Stengel ordered an at-home gluten test, which returned a "high positive" result for gluten.

    Stengel's allegations have sparked outrage among individuals with celiac disease and food allergies, who rely on gluten-free products for their health and well-being. Many have shared their experiences living with celiac disease and expressed their concerns about the potential risks associated with consuming mislabeled products.

    In response to the allegations, The Savory Fig has shut down its Instagram page, and its Facebook page has been inundated with negative comments and ratings. 

    Cindysnacks has Contacted the Authorities to Ensure the Safety and Proper Labeling of Food Products.

    The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in the food industry, especially when it comes to catering to individuals with dietary restrictions. For those with celiac disease, it highlights the need for vigilance when purchasing gluten-free products and the importance of verifying the authenticity of food items. In a similar past case, Paul Selig was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pulling a similar stunt.

    As investigations into the matter continue, individuals with celiac disease are urged to exercise caution and seek out reputable sources for gluten-free products. By staying informed and advocating for their dietary needs, individuals with celiac disease can protect their health and well-being in an increasingly complex food landscape.

    Stay tuned for more on this and related stories.

    Read more at nyeater.com and Today.com



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    Helen Vajk

    Hard to believe, but unfortunately seems true.  This kind of "mislabeling" is actually bodily assault for celiacs, consciously done for profit.  

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    Hildawg037

    This shocks me and I'm with the last commenter, it's all about profit, not safety.

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    Scott Adams

    If you look at the related articles below this article you will see the case of Paul Seelig, who went to prison for many years by doing exactly the same thing, but he sold regular bread and marked it as gluten-free.

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  • About Me

    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

    >VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY JEFFERSON ADAMS

     


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