When I speak to our American clients, I often hear how impressed they are with Canadian labelling. They have the erroneous impression that our laws are superior to their own. They’re wrong and we may be finding out just how much by the end of 2010.
American lawmakers passed FALCPA (Food Allergen Labelling Consumer Protection Act) in 2004 and it became mandatory in 2008. Health Canada started its process for new labelling laws a decade ago and they still haven’t been completed. In fact, an urgent letter for support from many of Canada’s allergy and Celiac support groups went out today that indicates if the proposed laws do not pass by the end of 2010, they will expire!
I realize that Health Canada is trying to be careful to address many health concerns and is listening to many stakeholders. I’ve participated in the consultation process both personally and representing Nonuttin’ Foods. But can you imagine a business or household that ran this way? Read more »
When I go to business trade shows, I often end up meeting many other food manufacturers, especially if I’m displaying in a booth with my sales broker. Since we are together for a couple of days, we get to know all about each other’s products and often go home with samples in our suitcases. This is how I found one of of my favorite gluten free items, GoGo Quinoa spaghetti.
GoGoQuinoa Spaghetti
So You’ve Been Diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance…
It’s not easy being gluten free, at least to start. Like anything, you will soon become used to your new buying habits and menus and your gluten free life will become what you consider normal.
But when you’ve first been diagnosed, it can be really disheartening to go to the store and discover that a lot of what you used to buy is now off limits. You may even find yourself mourning an old favorite which could be anything from pizza to perogies.
I recently contributed to an article about baking on a gluten free diet which was compiled with other contributors. Unfortunately, some of the suggestions are only in the US, such as Betty Crocker mixes, but this is a really handy article either if you need someplace to start or someplace to find new inspiration. http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/110610/best_glutenfree_baking_essentials_the
I got to try the Gluten Free Bisquick in May at the Celiac Disease Foundation conference in Los Angeles where I had pancakes made with the new product and it was really very good (especially with syrup!).
If you’ve tried any of the products mentioned, or can suggest any of your own (and perhaps where you can find them), please do!
A recent study shows that 1 in 13 Canadians have a serious food allergy. This equates to over 7.6% of Canadians and does not include Celiac Disease or gluten intolerances. Perhaps it’s time that food retailers take note that this is a growing issue that is in their best interests to address beyond the peanut free labels. Read the article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/one-in-13-canadians-has-serious-food-allergy/article1715371/?cmpid=rss1
Researchers have discovered that linking specific enzymes in milk can change the proteins, leading to longer digestability. This research was part of changing how milk proteins work in food to increase the satiety of milk products but a side effect is the potential reduction of allergic reactions. Read more at The Food Navigator.
If you are Celiac and feel like you don’t sleep well and feel rested, it’s not in your head. A recent study shows that Celiacs, whether following a gluten free diet or not, Celiacs suffer more than others with sleep disorders. Check out the link: http://www.celiac.com/articles/22292/1/Gluten-free-or-Not-Celiacs-Suffer-More-Sleep-Disorders/Page1.html
Defeat Autism Now is an approach to treating autism backed by the Autism Research Institute that suggests autism cannot be cured but that symptoms can be managed based on the latest scientific research. The West Coast Conference begins October 7. If you’d like to learn more about this approach, you can check out the website at: http://www.autism.com/
My husband absolutely loves Halloween and we have more decorations at our house for this event than Christmas and the rest of the holidays combined. We have flying bats, tombstones, skeletons, giant spiders, special lights, candy bowls, chains, cobwebs, sound effects and more. We even looked at an enormous skull for the front porch on the weekend (no, it never made it into the cart). But here’s a secret: I dread Halloween as the parent of an allergic child.
It starts in August with the Halloween candy down every store aisle. This has been handy for nabbing the safe treats that my allergic child will keep at school for unexpected events. But navigating past all of the peanut butter cups and nut filled candy bars is frustrating when they put them anywhere they think they have room. They even put piles in the produce department! Read more »
