Reply From Ca Citrus Growers

[Lisa16]

Here is some information I got today. I think this may, in fact, clear some disagreements up. IMO, It is very important for sensitives to know about this:

Dear Lisa,

I apologize for the delay in responding to your question of the presence of Gluten in produce coatings. The only produce I can respond to is citrus as we are not involved with any other commodities. Our experts tell us that while it is possible that there could be some wheat protein used for coatings, generally these are not used because of the cost and the difficulty in formulation. The other possible source is from ethanol which is used in coatings for several commodities including citrus. While most ethanol is made from corn, some could be made from other grains. It is thought that the gluten is destroyed in the manufacturing process. Finally, if there are trace amounts of gluten in the final product these are on the peel of the citrus only and could only possibly be a factor if someone were to eat the peel. In closing, I would suggest that you contact the representative organizations for the other commodities if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

California Citrus Mutual

512 N. Kaweah Ave.

Exeter, Ca. 93221

[mushroom]

Here is some information I got today. I think this may, in fact, clear some disagreements up. IMO, It is very important for sensitives to know about this:

Dear Lisa,

I apologize for the delay in responding to your question of the presence of Gluten in produce coatings. The only produce I can respond to is citrus as we are not involved with any other commodities. Our experts tell us that while it is possible that there could be some wheat protein used for coatings, generally these are not used because of the cost and the difficulty in formulation. The other possible source is from ethanol which is used in coatings for several commodities including citrus. While most ethanol is made from corn, some could be made from other grains. It is thought that the gluten is destroyed in the manufacturing process. Finally, if there are trace amounts of gluten in the final product these are on the peel of the citrus only and could only possibly be a factor if someone were to eat the peel. In closing, I would suggest that you contact the representative organizations for the other commodities if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

California Citrus Mutual

512 N. Kaweah Ave.

Exeter, Ca. 93221

Zest of lemon, or preserved lemon, anyone??

[Lisa16]

I recently made fondant and flavored it with orange peel. Perhaps that will not go on the next chebe cinnamon rolls!

Or a slice of lemon in your ice water!

[Lisa]

Dear Lisa,

I apologize for the delay in responding to your question of the presence of Gluten in produce coatings. The only produce I can respond to is citrus as we are not involved with any other commodities. Our experts tell us that while it is possible that there could be some wheat protein used for coatings, generally these are not used because of the cost and the difficulty in formulation. The other possible source is from ethanol which is used in coatings for several commodities including citrus. While most ethanol is made from corn, some could be made from other grains. It is thought that the gluten is destroyed in the manufacturing process. Finally, if there are trace amounts of gluten in the final product these are on the peel of the citrus only and could only possibly be a factor if someone were to eat the peel. In closing, I would suggest that you contact the representative organizations for the other commodities if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

California Citrus Mutual

512 N. Kaweah Ave.

Exeter, Ca. 93221

This sounds like a lot of speculation and very little fact, in my opinion. But, thank you for posting this.

[Lisa16]

Do you mean speculation ofn the part of the director of the CA citrus growers association? I am going to pm you the original letter, signature and phone number.

I believe him.

[Lisa]

Do you mean speculation of the part of the director of the CA citrus growers association? I am going to pm you the original letter, signature and phone number.

I believe him.

That's fine, and I'm glad that you do . But, I was just saying that it does not appear to speak with any specifics.

Thank you for the contact information.

[celiac-mommy]

It's interesting, I'd like to hear other's experiences-my kids are SUPER sensitive, we eat a ton of produce and never have we had any sort of reaction from it...

[MaryJones2]

I am aware of the existence of wheat-based coatings but really can't recall any issues with produce and I am pretty sensitive. I interpreted their response to mean that if I have concerns about the coatings that I should avoid eating the peel.

[Lisa16]

Well now, here's how I interpret this:

1. The gluten coating isn't used very much because it is expensive (but there is a small, maybe tiny chance it was used)

and

2. There may be minute trace amounts from an ethanol component of the spray (and this is the same chance you would take if you drink distilled anything made from grain)-- pretty small.

But yep, there could be some in there.

For me this means four things:

1. I will not be using orange peel or lemon zest for flavorings anymore

2. I will no longer be using a slice of lemon in my water

3. Before making fresh squeezed oj using my juicer, I will wash the fruit carefully

4. I will be peeling my oranges/citrus (and washing my hands) instead of slicing through the skin

Extreme? Fair enough. But the growers' word is good enough for me.

[psawyer]

Extreme?

Yes, indeed. As I read what little factual information is contained in the message, I get the understanding that citrus fruit is safe. In fact, I believe that all produce is inherently safe. You have your interpretation; I have mine. They are different. Everyone must make a personal decision. I know what mine is.

[kenlove]

Very Interesting Lisa, Thanks for getting the info -- all the more reason to get back here and eat only uncoated fresh Hawaiian citrus!

Here is some information I got today. I think this may, in fact, clear some disagreements up. IMO, It is very important for sensitives to know about this:

Dear Lisa,

I apologize for the delay in responding to your question of the presence of Gluten in produce coatings. The only produce I can respond to is citrus as we are not involved with any other commodities. Our experts tell us that while it is possible that there could be some wheat protein used for coatings, generally these are not used because of the cost and the difficulty in formulation. The other possible source is from ethanol which is used in coatings for several commodities including citrus. While most ethanol is made from corn, some could be made from other grains. It is thought that the gluten is destroyed in the manufacturing process. Finally, if there are trace amounts of gluten in the final product these are on the peel of the citrus only and could only possibly be a factor if someone were to eat the peel. In closing, I would suggest that you contact the representative organizations for the other commodities if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

California Citrus Mutual

512 N. Kaweah Ave.

Exeter, Ca. 93221