When A Food Label Says "no Gluten Ingredients"

[Coolclimates]

I have noticed more food products (particularly Trader Joes) claim "no gluten ingredients" instead of "gluten free" on their labels. I assume this is a big red flag? I seem to be very sensitive to gluten (although I don't get any symptoms that I know of if I'm glutened). I've read a few articles saying that you should approach these products with caution. I bought a bunch of Trader Joes pasta lately that has this "no gluten ingredients" on the label. I bought it because it was cheap and I haven't eaten it yet. But now I wonder if I should give it away to someone else. As a matter-of-fact, just about all of Trader Joes products are labeled "no gluten ingredients" instead of "gluten free." Because i don't have symptoms, it's really hard to tell how careful I need to be. All I can say is that I've been on the gluten-free diet for 18 months and have had very high antibodies with each blood test I've had. However, my latest endoscopy showed some improvement.

Sorry to ramble off subject here. I would like to know your thoughts about the "no gluten ingredients" labels.

[Lisa]

The new philosophy of labeling is a direct results of specifics in laws and law suits.

Many companies will list "no gluten ingredients" because they do not test, each product and each batch. The cost to do that would be extreme. Rather, they choose to inform the purchaser that there are no gluten ingredients in that product.

Most times, it's a judgement call. But I don't have any issue with products that list no gluten ingredients. Heck, that's what I do, read labeled and if I don't see gluten ingredients, I find it safe for me.

The term "gluten free" has yet to be regulated. I find that less satisfying than seeing no gluten ingredients on the label.

[psawyer]

The new philosophy of labeling is a direct results of specifics in laws and law suits.

Many companies will list "no gluten ingredients" because they do not test, each product and each batch. The cost to do that would be extreme. Rather, they choose to inform the purchaser that there are no gluten ingredients in that product.

Most times, it's a judgement call. But I don't have any issue with products that list no gluten ingredients. Heck, that's what I do, read labeled and if I don't see gluten ingredients, I find it safe for me.

The term "gluten free" has yet to be regulated. I find that less satisfying than seeing no gluten ingredients on the label.

Exactly. Until "gluten-free" is defined by a regulation in the US, we don't know what it means. In the meantime, "no gluten ingredients" means that the manufacturer has not intentionally put any gluten in the product. The proposed FDA regulation (and current rules in Canada) does not address possible accidental contamination--only stuff deliberately included as an ingredient.

[mushroom]

I would say there is absolutely no way of knowing.

[rosetapper23]

I can only say that I have been glutened by some Trader Joe's products that contain this statement. I assume it's from cross-contamination.

[Lisa]

I can only say that I have been glutened by some Trader Joe's products that contain this statement. I assume it's from cross-contamination.

There are some pretty good pastas from gluten friendly companies. I really like Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta.

[Coolclimates]

I've heard that Trader Joe's is a problem because of CC. But like I said, I don't get sick if I get glutened so I can only ask others who do get sick what their experiences are with "no gluten ingredients" products.

[mushroom]

I have personally never had a problem with TJ's' products.