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If there were stains or particles on a drink can in an area that would either contact the drink or my lips, I would wash that can whether or not I had celiac disease.

You are on the money, but I should also add that Italian, French and other countries research shows exactly what I have said. Our FDA is behind the ball when it comes to this research and I am hopeful that Kennedy can straighten this out soon, albeit he is giving the food companies too long to just remove food dyes from our foods when in fact they have to remove all that in order to sell for example, in the UK as they aren't allowed such things. The food companies and the cola companies have also changed their formulas to have just sugar in them instead of corn gluten aka high fructose corn syrup and corn starch in them. Misinformation here in America is a very dangerous thing. I also have been grain free for a long time now and at no time can I even have the smallest amount of corn gluten -I recently got glutened from a supplement that claimed to be grain free yet upon further research I found that it had erythritol (corn sugar) in it and that is what got me sick for 7 days straight. I am not hopeful to ever be able to add back into my diet any of the grain glutens, but perhaps those who were only gluten intolerant might be able to, but for me being celiac, I have no hope in that. Thank you for the article, I will add it to my collection of research as I am collecting everything I can find on this subject and posting it on X as well as other places.  I also don't use psuedo grains i.e. quinoa as that also reacts negatively with my gut, so I am 100% a cassava/tapioca/arrow root girl and that is my go to bread replacement. There are some new items made with chicpea/green peas that are sold as rice alternatives, i bought one to try but haven't yet. So food companies are getting creative, but like you said, I am fresh whole foods and don't buy many processed foods, I make my own cheese, ketchup, pickles, jams, etc.

There were small spots (stains) on the drinking area at the top of the energy drinks can from the store that looked as the same color as milk — maybe oat milk (Hafermilch) or a wheat-based drink (Weizendrink), but I’m not sure what it was. There were also some particles that looked like either flour or dust, but not many. Could it have been a gluten-containing drink spilled onto the can or just regular small stains which I shouldn‘t worry about? Do you watch out for stuff like that or am I overthinking? Would it cause damage to a celiac?

This is such an important discussion! While corn gluten (zein) is structurally different from wheat gluten, emerging research suggests some celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals may still react to it, whether due to cross-reactivity, inflammation, or other factors. For those with non-responsive celiac disease or ongoing symptoms, eliminating corn—especially processed derivatives like corn syrup—might be worth exploring under medical guidance. That said, corn’s broader health impact (GMOs, digestibility, nutritional profile) is a separate but valid concern. Like you mentioned, ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘healthy,’ and whole, unprocessed foods are often the safest bet. For those sensitive to corn, alternatives like quinoa, rice, or nutrient-dense starches (e.g., sweet potatoes) can help fill the gap. Always fascinating (and frustrating) how individualized this journey is—thanks for highlighting these nuances! Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful:    

I’m so sorry your little one is going through this. Celiac recovery can take time (sometimes months for gut healing), but the ongoing leg pain is concerning. Since his anemia was severe, have his doctors checked his other nutrient levels? Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin D, or B12 could contribute to muscle/joint pain. A pediatric GI or rheumatologist might also explore if there’s concurrent inflammation or autoimmune involvement (like juvenile arthritis, which sometimes overlaps with celiac). Gentle massage, Epsom salt baths (for magnesium absorption), or low-impact activities like swimming could help ease discomfort while he heals. Keep advocating for him—you’re doing an amazing job!