Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Jefferson Adams
    Jefferson Adams

    General Mills Sued Over Recalled Gluten-free Cheerios

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.
    General Mills Sued Over Recalled Gluten-free Cheerios - Photo: CC--Bryce Mohan
    Caption: Photo: CC--Bryce Mohan

    Celiac.com 12/09/2015 - Less than a month after General Mills announced a recall of nearly two million boxes of gluten-free Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios, the company is facing a class action lawsuit alleging it violated several consumer protection laws, and put consumers at risk.

    The complaint, filed in the eastern district of California on October 30 by plaintiffs Keri van Lengen and Deborah Nava against General Mills and Roxanne Ornelas (manufacturing manager at Gen Mill's Lodi plant), accuses General Mills of selling misbranded products; in this case, cereals advertised as gluten-free which actually contained gluten.

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
    It adds: "Plaintiffs and Class Members have all suffered and will continue to suffer harm and damages as a result of Defendants' unlawful and wrongful conduct."

    For the company's part, it states in a blog post published on October 5, by Jim Murphy, senior vice president and president of the Cereal division at General Mills, that:

    "Our Lodi production facility lost rail service for a time and our gluten-free oat flour was being off-loaded from rail cars to trucks for delivery to our facility on the dates in question. In an isolated incident involving purely human error, wheat flour was inadvertently introduced into our gluten-free oat flour system at Lodi. That error resulted in an undeclared allergen – wheat – being present in products labeled as gluten free at levels above the FDA gluten-free standard."

    Murphy went on to reassure consumers that the company's oat supply was safe, and that their gluten-free flours are pure.

    The post goes on to assure consumers that the company "tested our oat supply on these dates – and the oat supply tested as gluten free. We also tested the specific oat flour being used at Lodi – and our oat flour supply also tested as gluten free on the dates in question."

    The post closes by noting that General Mills is testing all finished product…[and has] instituted additional flour handling protocols at all facilities to ensure this will not happen again.

    Stay tuned for new developments or related news on gluten-free products from Cheerios or General Mills.

    Source:

    • Open Original Shared Link


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Guest Linda
    I think litigation when companies take responsibility is unproductive. It will make companies less likely to try to bring new gluten free products safely to market.

    I totally agree with Kay. Litigation will only make these companies less likely to venture into gluten-free land. Thanks for the article. And I'm sure glad Coors will be going gluten-free soon but it will probably take a LONG time for the product to get to Georgia.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Susan
    I think litigation when companies take responsibility is unproductive. It will make companies less likely to try to bring new gluten free products safely to market.

    I agree 100%

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Debbie

    I certainly hope General Mills doesn't decide to drop the whole gluten-free program because somebody wants a payday! They DID voluntarily release the information.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Wendellyn Plummer

    Posted

    Not only are Manufacturers responsible, so are Restaurant owners. Many times I have been told that the food I was getting gluten-free and then have been sick for days because the food wasn't prepared properly. Most people think it is a dietary choice not a Medical necessity. Honestly, it shouldn't matter.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Karen
    We need to use our buying power and the law to stop these types of things occurring with our store-bought foods these days. I would really like to see a non-profit that worked with people to educate them how to grow their own organic gardens, raise their own foods (if possible) and why it is now so important.

     

    This also falls right in line with GMOs and the damage they are going to cause to us and probably our environment later. I have Celiac's and am infuriated they would do this. Thank God I never have eaten this brand or brands.

     

    I feel totally violated on every level that we would be encouraged to buy these things without being informed so we would have the choice to buy or not to buy. But, then they wouldn't have as many sales and dollars in their pocket.

     

    We have to work together as Americans to find a way to break up the corporations and move back into flourishing small businesses where the dollars are distributed rather than a few greedy people owning the whole lot. We do that in our ability to grow our own and use our buying power no matter how small it is this days.

     

    If no one is buying they lose their power.

    Cynthia, you seem to be one of those people who likes to take any issue and blow it up into a rant about how everything is wrong in the world today. I own a small business, suffer from celiac and ate the Cheerios but I also realize that human error is just not something that can be completely eliminated. The company took responsibility and acted appropriately. I agree with the other posts, if we punish them for coming forward and disclosing the problem then companies will just not want to produce gluten free items because the risk of being sued is so high. Meanwhile, we will be back to eating the limited, sub-par selection of gluten free items we (enjoyed) years ago. I don't know about you, but I really love the fact that I can have such things as Cheerio's, cake, delicious pasta and all of the other wonderful items that have been introduced over the last few years.

     

    Just think of how you would feel if somebody sued you every time you made a mistake.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Katie
    I think litigation when companies take responsibility is unproductive. It will make companies less likely to try to bring new gluten free products safely to market.

    AGREE

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Donald
    I think litigation when companies take responsibility is unproductive. It will make companies less likely to try to bring new gluten free products safely to market.

    Absolutely. Give GM a break during their transition. I am speaking as one who got sick from accidentally buying a box of whole grain cheerios that did not say "gluten free." Uggg. We lost Chex oatmeal. Let's not lose Cheerios again...

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Laura

    My concern is that if wheat flour contaminated the line, how will they ever make sure the equipment is completely clean again? I doubt they would disassemble all of it and clean it sufficiently. No more cheerios for us (not that I was eating them, but my husband was - his sensitivity is not nearly as bad as mine)

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Patty

    I HATE that these people keep bringing lawsuits. I'm finding it harder and harder to find information about gluten from drug companies, and the food companies will be next. They won't want to say "gluten free" to avoid being sued. I know anytime I eat out at a restaurant, or eat a ready-made food like cereals, that it poses a risk to my health. If I get sick, I'm just more careful next time. I get cross-contaminated in my own kitchen (not often, but it happens) and I'm super careful; of COURSE it's going to happen on a corporate level. This is a responsible company getting the word out and taking action to protect their consumers. They should be applauded, not sued. And yes, I'm a very sensitive celiac.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Len

    I agree with Kay and Charlene. I often question the real motives behind lawsuits - I think it's often the lawyers see an opportunity and go looking for a plaintiff to make it fly. The fact is, the plaintiffs, however many there are, will share in 30% of the pot, getting nothing meaningful individually, but the law firm will take 70%, walking away with millions. Today's society is way to quick to sue. Lawyers advertise on every billboard and television channel, fishing for the next opportunity. "Did you slip and fall?... Call 1-800-...". Get over it, and move on. (...and yes, I have celiac disease, but I have better things to do with my time than get involved in suing GM for my $100 share of the pot.)

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Audrey
    We need to use our buying power and the law to stop these types of things occurring with our store-bought foods these days. I would really like to see a non-profit that worked with people to educate them how to grow their own organic gardens, raise their own foods (if possible) and why it is now so important.

     

    This also falls right in line with GMOs and the damage they are going to cause to us and probably our environment later. I have Celiac's and am infuriated they would do this. Thank God I never have eaten this brand or brands.

     

    I feel totally violated on every level that we would be encouraged to buy these things without being informed so we would have the choice to buy or not to buy. But, then they wouldn't have as many sales and dollars in their pocket.

     

    We have to work together as Americans to find a way to break up the corporations and move back into flourishing small businesses where the dollars are distributed rather than a few greedy people owning the whole lot. We do that in our ability to grow our own and use our buying power no matter how small it is this days.

     

    If no one is buying they lose their power.

    This was an error - not an intentional misbranding of product. Mistakes happen and the company has taken responsibility and put new measures in place to prevent something like this in the future. Nothing is perfect. I agree with other posters that lawsuits of this nature will only hinder the willingness of companies to create of new gluten-free products in the future. Everyone growing their own organic gardens is not feasible in the real world.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Pia Martin

    Posted

    Cynthia is right about "using our buying power" when it comes to how and where we get our food. The real truth is that the food/agricultural companies are ruining our food. Monsanto is the biggest, most corrupt of all, including general mills. Monsanto controls over 90% of the world's seeds, yes they control what kind of seeds farmers plant in the ground. AND, if you think GMO is okay, then please understand a simple truth, "if insects and animals won't eat it, why would I??" And lastly, I wish the whole world knew that those "chem trails" in the sky are a result of Monsanto putting barium and aluminum into the atmosphere, in an effort to control the environment. What they do not realize is that they are what is killing all the bees. You never hear about that in the mainstream media outlets, but my friends, please know this "IF THE BEES GO, ALL PLANT AND ANIMAL/HUMANS WILL DIE OFF". Do you research, get some heirloom seeds and grow your own!!

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate
  • 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

     


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Related Articles

    Jefferson Adams
    Celiac.com 01/23/2015 - This Superbowl Sunday gluten-free fans can celebrate with gluten-free Pizza Hut pizza, and, in a few lucky test markets, gluten-free Coors beer.
    You read right. First, Pizza Hut has announced that, starting Jan. 26, it will be debuting a gluten-free pizza in about 2,400 locations in the U.S. The new pizza will be a 10-inch, six-slice pizza, which will go for $9.99. The pizza crust will be made by popular gluten-free brand Udi’s Foods, and certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group.
    Pizza Hut’s gluten-free pie will be one of the restaurant’s lowest-calorie pizzas, with about 100 fewer calories per serving than their current “Skinny Slice” pizza. 
    Every Pizza Hut Gluten-Free Pizza will be baked fresh-to-order on parchment paper and delivered in a speci...


    Jefferson Adams
    Cheerios Are Finally Going Gluten-Free
    Celiac.com 02/25/2015 - General Mills has announced that original Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios and three other Cheerios varieties will undergo formula changes, including a switch to gluten-free oats, and will be released as a gluten-free cereal.
    The move by the food and cereal giant mirrors a similar recipe change that successfully boosted sales for its Chex brand, which has been gluten-free since 2010.
    The company will likely begin selling gluten-free versions in July, says Jim Murphy, president of Big G Cereals, General Mills' ready-to-eat cereal division.
    Apparently, General Mills felt that that could no longer ignore the skyrocketing sales of gluten-free foods, and the slow decline of foods that contain gluten, including breakfast cereals.
    "People are actually walking...


    Jefferson Adams
    General Mills Pulls Plug on Gluten-free Chex Oatmeal
    Celiac.com 09/02/2015 - Cereal maker General Mills is pulling the plug on its Gluten Free Chex Oatmeal.
    A spokesperson for General Mills confirmed that the product has been discontinued due to low sales. The company says it will make its final shipments of the gluten-free oatmeal in October.
    This constitutes an ignoble end for a brand that made its official debut last year.
    Chex Gluten Free Oatmeal was available in original, apple cinnamon and maple brown sugar flavors, and made without artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or high fructose corn syrup.
    The decision to discontinue Gluten Free Chex Oatmeal comes amid controversy regarding General Mills methods of sorting oats for its new gluten-free Cheerios.
    What do you think? Are you sad? Or are...


    Jefferson Adams
    General Mills Draws Fire for Gluten-free Manufacturing Choices
    Celiac.com 09/07/2015 - Cereal maker General Mills is facing criticism from some people with celiac disease who say its gluten-free manufacturing practices are unsafe, unreliable, and leave them at risk for adverse gluten reactions.
    A number of celiac disease patients and others with gluten sensitivities are questioning the company's practice of removing wheat, rye and barley from standard oats, rather than sourcing actual gluten-free oats. General Mills' special method for sorting grains allegedly removes any wheat, barley and rye from the whole oats, before they are made into oat flour.
    A group called "Gluten Free Watchdog" has engaged General Mills regarding cross-contamination possibilities during the grain sorting and manufacturing process. The process used by General...


  • Recent Activity

    1. - knitty kitty replied to jmiller93's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      What do my test results mean?

    2. - knitty kitty replied to HWB's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      16

      strange symptoms/ diagnosis accuracy

    3. - Wheatwacked replied to HWB's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      16

      strange symptoms/ diagnosis accuracy

    4. - sh00148 posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Nighttime Soiling (5 year old)

    5. - captaincrab55 posted a topic in Publications & Publicity
      0

      Scientists have discovered a cause of inflammatory bowel disease. They said it's a 'holy grail' discovery that could transform other autoimmune treatments.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      125,728
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Jessmn
    Newest Member
    Jessmn
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.8k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Popular Now

    • jmiller93
      5
    • MomofGF
    • Louise Broughton
      4
  • Popular Articles

    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
  • Upcoming Events

×
×
  • Create New...