Wheat free news

(24-Jul-2008)
New food labelling regulations in Canada

Canada has announced new food labelling regulations which will force food manufacturers to list specific allergens, gluten sources and sulphites on the labels of the products they sell.

(17-Jul-2008)
Morrisons Bettabuy Beans and Sausages recalled

Morrisons Beans and Sausages contain whaet breadcrumbs and wheat proteins that are not listed in the ingredients list.

(16-Jul-2008)
Allergy sufferers banned from joining the UK Army

The UK ministry of Defence has admitted that the Army is barring people with food allergies from signing up.

(11-Jul-2008)
Sainbury's freefrom stuffing & breadcrumbs recalled

Routine testing undertaken by Sainsbury’s has identified that their freefrom stuffing & freefrom breadcrumbs may contain traces of gluten.

(27-Jun-2008)
Mmmmmmm... desserts

We’ve just received a pre-publication copy of The Ice Dream Cookbook by Chef Rachel Albert-Matesz to review.

Read more...

(26-Jun-2008)
Wheat allergy tests

What tests is your doctor likely to carry out to diagnose if you have a wheat allergy or not?

Read more...

(13-Jun-2008)
A Tasty Menu indeed

Recently I had the pleasure of eating at Calgary’s only 100% gluten free restaurant, A Tasty Menu.

Read more...

(30-Jan-2008)
Wm. Morrison recalls own brand Chicken Fillets with Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Sauce

Due to a labelling error wheat flour is listed as an ingredient but is not declared in the allergen advisory box.

(29-Jan-2008)
Chocolate truffle cake

This chocolate cake is rich and gooey, just like a real chocolate cake should be, and so easy to make.

Recipe...


(8-Jan-2008)
Wm Morrison recall yoghurt due to undisclosed gluten

Wm Morrison Low Fat Summerfruit Yoghurt film lids have been incorrectly placed on Low Fat Dessert Style Yoghurts. The Low Fat Dessert Style Yoghurts contain gluten and egg which makes the product a potential risk for people with a gluten intolerance or egg allergy.

(1-Dec-2007)
Wheat free & gluten free online survey

Survey about the reasons and the evaluation of a wheat-free or gluten-free diet:

Dear participants,
A wheat-free and gluten-free diet occurs more and more in addition to the necessary treatment of different diseases or in consequence of intolerance reactions also as a form of a healthy diet.

My name is Annika Schwarz and I am a student of nutrition science at the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena in Germany. As a part of my diploma theses I try to find out the reasons as well as an assessment of living with such a diet.

Do you (or your child) have experience with a wheat-free or gluten-free diet? I would be very grateful if you could answer the following questionnaire.

It takes only five minutes to fill it in. All data I collect will be treated confidentially by respecting the privacy.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Do the survey

(22-Nov-2007)
Wheat free Thanksgiving

It's easy to cook a wheat and gluten free Thanksgiving Day meal, we explain how.

Read more...

(7-Sep-2007)
Wheat free fuelling for exercise

Surprisingly there are quite a few products on the market that people with a wheat allergy or intolerance or coeliac (celiac) disease can use during or after sports activities.

Read more...

(29-Aug-2007)
There are more allergens than just peanuts

There seems to be a big thing now with TV advertising promoting the fact that some manufacturers are labelling their products, always junk foods though, as "peanut free".

Read more...

(31-Jul-2007)
Hidden wheat in medicines

Are you sure that your medicine manufacturer has your best interests at heart?

Read more...

(26-Jun-2007)
Undeclared Wheat in Sainsbury's Be Good To Yourself Chicken Tikka Masala with Pilau Rice (Frozen)

Sainbury's have recalled a batch of Be Good To Yourself Chicken Tikka Masala with Pilau Rice (frozen) due to the presence of egg, gluten (wheat & barley) and soya as a result of a packaging error.

(30-May-2007)
Undeclared Wheat in Harvest Meats Naturally Smoked Summer Sausage

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Harvest Meats are warning people with an allergy to wheat not to consume Harvest brand Naturally Smoked Summer Sausage.

(28-May-2007)
Natural pet food sales booming since contaminated wheat gluten incident

Specialty pet food businesses are reaping the benefits of the melamine tainted wheat gluten from China incident, with sales of natural pet foods booming.

(7-May-2007)
What is it actually safe to eat?

Hands up everyone who's a little bit worried about the whole contaminated wheat gluten issue currently in the news?

Read more...

(30-Apr-2007)
Nature's Path Mesa Sunrise Flakes breakfast cereal recalled

Nature's Path Organic Mesa Sunrise Flakes wheat free & gluten free breakfast cereal is being recalled because a specific batch contains high levels of gluten, despite being labelled gluten free.

(10-Apr-2007)
Gastroscopy part II - the search for coeliac disease

... and the next thing I remember I was looking at the clock back on the ward which was saying 9:20, and a nurse was telling me to turn over onto my left side to have a bit more sleep.

Read more...

(30-Mar-2007)
What goes on when you have a gastroscopy for coeliac disease

My long awaited appointment for a gastroscopy has arrived. Basically as I understand it, they sedate me, then poke a tube with a light and camera down my throat into my stomach and have a good look around. At that time they also will take a biopsy for coeliac disease.

Read more...

(3-Mar-2007)
Easter eggs... chocolate shells... ribbons... the Easter bunny...

Easter. I love it. Although I'm not remotely religious it doesn't stop me eagerly anticipating the arrival of the myriad of extravagantly decorated eggs in the shops. The brightly coloured wrappings, the pretty ribbons, the promise of secrets inside the chocolate shell...

Read more...

(22-Feb-2007)
So can't eat wheat but not allergic to it

Read more...

(12-Feb-2007)
Is it a wheat allergy or not?

Read more...

(15-Jan-2007)
Gluten intolerance tablet launched

A new, natural product based on enzyme formulations has been launched in the UK for people suffering with gluten intolerance.

(12-Dec-2006)
Ding dong merrily on wheat free high!

It’s December and the festive season is rapidly gaining speed. In our neighbourhood businesses and residential properties are already well decorated, lights twinkling away at night (and during the day).

Read more...

(11-Aug-2006)
First do-it-yourself coeliac disease testing kit launched in UK

A self-diagnosis kit which can identify gluten intolerance is being marketed by a Welsh biomedical firm.

(7-Aug-2006)
Is your pet showing unusual symptoms that could be a food allergy?

A recent study in the UK has revealed that almost 1 in 10 cats and dogs have food allergies or intolerances.

(1-Aug-2006)
Food stabilisers have been developed for mayonnaises that contain isolated wheat proteins

New food stabilisers for egg-free dressings have been developed by Cesalpinia Food, part of the Tate & Lyle group. What makes these new stabilisers a concern for people on a wheat or gluten free diet is that they are manufactured using isolated wheat proteins (emulsifiers).

(31-Jul-2006)
If you think that strawberries are wheat free then think again

Our blogger gets a nasty surprise on her birthday when she eats strawberries.

Read more...

(4-Jul-2006)
Disney food allergy/special diets program

With an estimated 150 Americans dying each year from severe food allergy reactions Walt Disney World is an unexpected sanctuary for fun, and allergy safe foods.

(1-Jul-2006)
1st annual Gluten-Free Culinary Summit launches this August in the Colorado Rockies

The Gluten-Free Culinary Summit is a new culinary conference for food lovers interested in learning about gluten free cooking. The weekend event features seminars, cooking and baking demonstrations, panel discussions and special events conducted by an impressive cast of chefs, chef-instructors and industry experts.

(15-Jun-2006)
New no-dough pizza... a heart attack in a box?

Our wheat blogger comments on the new no-dough pizza.

Read more...

(14-May-2006)
Food Allergy Awareness Week

May 14-20 is Food Allergy Awareness Week. The aim of this week is to give people the opportunity to learn more about the seriousness of food allergies.

With an estimated 150-200 Americans dying annually from anaphylactic shock caused by food allergies, it is vital that knowledge of these life threatening allergies is provided through better education.

(9-May-2006)
Gluten/casein free diet reported to have more success than drugs in most autism cases

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a report on the prevalence of autism in the US. The results were shocking and increased public awareness of autism exponentially with figures that were frightening to read.

(7-May-2006)
Gluten free means gluten free right?

Our wheat blogger asks "When is something labelled gluten free not guaranteed gluten free?"

Read more...

(29-Apr-2006)
Cranberry oat bars recipe

Cranberry oat bars recipe, easy to make, packed with cranberries and absolutely delicious.

Recipe...

(25-Apr-2006)
Wheat wafers and Holy Communion

Our wheat blogger asks "If you have a wheat allergy or coeliac disease how do you cope with Holy Communion?"

Read more...

(19-Apr-2006)
Eating out is oh such fun...

Our wheat blogger recalls some of their fonder eating out moments.

Read their thoughts...

(11-Apr-2006)
Dragon's Gold gluten free beer relaunch

Bard's Tale Beer Co. producers of Dragon's Gold gluten free beer are set to relaunch their product this month.

(4-Apr-2006)
Is there a wheat allergy connection to petit mal (epileptic absences) in children?

Read more...

(18-Mar-2006)
Our blogger isn't happy about the latest news on making sugar substitutes from wheat

Read their thoughts...

(13-Mar-2006)
Beer brewing dregs to be turned into sugar substitute

A Canadian scientist has discovered that the dregs from the beer brewing process can be converted into a sweetener and used as a substitute for sugar.

(11-Mar-2006)
Canadian recall for Mango Roll W/Sticky Rice containing undeclared wheat and egg

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and T & T Supermarket are warning people with allergies to wheat and egg proteins not to consume their Mango Roll W/Sticky Rice as it contains wheat and egg proteins which are undeclared on the label.

(7-Mar-2006)
Is your pooch or puss itchy and scratchy?

Dog and cat owners may lovingly buy the best pet food on the market for their beloved pets, but is what they are dishing up causing their furry companions a food allergy problem?

(22-Feb-2006)
McDonald's says new tests reveal that its fries are gluten and allergen free

With McDonald's facing a public relations nightmare, not to mention a lot of potential lawsuits, the fast food giant has announced this week that new tests reveal that its fries are "gluten and allergen free".

(21-Feb-2006)
Spelt and kamut must be legally branded as wheat according to FALCPA 2004

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act 2004 (FALCPA) that took effect January 1, 2006 makes label reading easier for grocery shoppers who have food allergies. However it has generated controversy for companies that produce foods containing spelt and kamut.

(15-Feb-2006)
McDonald's french fries are NOT gluten free

The fast food giant McDonald's has now said its fries are not wheat or gluten free despite their website, until Monday of this week, stating that they were. As a result of the new food allergen licensing laws that came into effect this January, they have been forced to acknowledge that wheat and dairy ingredients are used to flavour the fries.

(12-Feb-2006)
Food allergy translation cards launched by US company

Travellers with food allergies can find it extremely difficult to find foods that are safe to eat without advanced native language skills. To circumvent these difficulties an American company has launched a series of food allergy translation cards.

(11-Feb-2006)
New Chicken Tikka Masala recipe for wheat & gluten free curry lovers

Missing out on curry? Then our new recipe will satify your curry cravings.

Chicken Tikka Masala recipe

(5-Feb-2006)
Hotel Chocolat launches new gluten & wheat free products section

Last month Hotel Chocolat asked for our feedback. We were blunt, terribly blunt. One box of Booja Booja truffles on the site does not a gluten free section make.

(1-Feb-2006)
Our wheat blogger gets their fingers burnt on chocolate but lives to tell the tale

Read their sorry tale of woe...

(30-Jan-2006)
Midcounties Co-op launch advice service for food allergies and intolerance

Midcounties Co-op, UK is launching a service for people who suffer from food allergies and food intolerance, aimed at helping them to get advice and make their shopping easier.

(23-Jan-2006)
Is your Doctor helping or hindering your food allergy health issues?

According to charity Allergy UK this week, patients with food allergies are being let down by their busy GPs who also lack specialist allergy knowledge. The UK charity criticised doctors for failing to take symptoms seriously, including telling patients it's "all in their minds".

(3-Dec-2005)
Scarlett Johansson's allergy ridden love scenes

Passion in a cornfield was not what the doctor ordered for Scarlett Johansson while filming her latest movie.

(14-Nov-2005)
Research finds breast-feeding halves the risk of children developing coeliac disease

Researchers have found that breast-feeding babies halves the risk of children developing an intolerance to foods containing gluten.

(10-Nov-2005)
The Food Allergy Buddy card aims to make restaurant eating safer

With more than 11 million people in the US alone suffering from food allergies, a new, low tech innovation could help to save lives.

(10-Nov-2005)
The Food Allergy Buddy card aims to make restaurant eating safer

With more than 11 million people in the US alone suffering from food allergies, a new, low tech innovation could help to save lives.

(2-Nov-2005)
Rapid test kit for Celiac Disease & gluten intolerance now available

US based York Nutritional Laboratories have introduced to the US a simple and revolutionary finger-stick rapid test kit designed to detect the antibodies associated with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

(21-Oct-2005)
New gluten free beer launched today

Coeliac beer drinkers will be pleased to hear that a new gluten free beer is being launched in the UK today, Friday 21 October.

Brewed by Hambleton Ales, one of the UK's smallest brewers, GFA (short for Gluten and wheat Free Ale) is a middle strength beer, 4.2% alcohol by volume, and will be sold in 500ml bottles for £2.80 per bottle. The bottles are also licensed to carry the symbol of the Coeliac UK society.

The beer is to be nationally listed by Tesco supermarkets.

(20-Oct-2005)
Are wheat allergies real or a myth?

A review conducted by dietitian Linda Hodge, an expert in allergy and food sensitivity with the Dietitians Association of Australia, appears to confirm that the perceived high prevalence of wheat allergies is to a large degree a myth.

(17-Oct-2005)
STOP PRESS - Fosters lager no longer wheat free

Our FAQ item on wheat free lagers has been withdrawn as it has been reported that Fosters lager now contains wheat.

If you have recently purchased Fosters lager please check the ingredients list carefully to check if wheat is listed.

(12-Oct-2005)
4 year research project launched to look at major questions on food allergy

On October 11th a 4 year research project is launched to look at major questions on food allergy. The research project is EU funded, and as a result of the EuroPrevall project scientists hope to find out how many people suffer from a food allergy and to determine the main foods responsible, as well as the cost in monetary terms and quality of life.

(7-Oct-2005)
Teenagers often mistakenly believe they have a food allergy or intolerance

A study by the University of Portsmouth has found that 16% of 11 year olds, and 19% of 15 year olds steer clear of certain food groups.

(8-Sep-2005)
And the #1 wheat free breakfast is...

Porridge.

Yes, seriously. While porridge oats have never traditionally had a sexy image, they are now the hottest thing on the breakfast block.

(15-Aug-2005)
Talk to us, we'd like to hear what you have to say

This is your chance to help shape the next 6 months of wheat-free.org. We'd like to know what you would like to see, what you think is missing, what you think we could do better, and what you think we do well.

So please, if you have the time to help us out, then let us know your comments, suggestions and feedback.

(Please note: it must be related to wheat free or gluten free diet, living or allergies).

(9-Aug-2005)
Bioinformatics could help pinpoint allergy causing proteins enabling breeding of allergen free wheat

UK scientists are to analyse and demonstrate how bioinformatics could help pinpoint allergy causing proteins, enabling breeding of new strains of bread-making wheat by removing or replacing the allergenic proteins in gluten, the source of coeliac disease.

(3-Aug-2005)
Biodegradable packaging for food to be made from wheat straw

Singapore-based Grenidea Technologies has received US certification for its biodegradable food packaging which will be made from naturally abundant materials such as wheat straw fibres or palm oil.

(19-Jul-2005)
Babies fed on grains too early in life could be more at risk of developing coeliac disease

University of Colorado scientists have produced research showing that delaying the introduction of cereal based foods into a child's diet could help avoid them developing coeliac disease or other gut disorders later in life.

(14-Jul-2005)
Irritable bowel syndrome may be linked to wheat allergy

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be linked to some food allergies, according to latest research. Using blood tests from IBS patients has found them to have raised levels of antibodies to foods such as wheat & soya.

(5-Jul-2005)
How far are we from allergen-free wheat?

And would you eat it?

(30-Jun-2005)
Quorn no longer safe to eat on wheat free diet

Quorn products, which until now offered a good vegetarian alternative in the form of chunks and mince for making curries, chillies, bologneses and many other dishes, have announced on their packaging that these products now "may contain wheat..."

(30-May-2005)
Gluten free diet may help relieve psoriasis symptoms

For anyone suffering with psoriasis anything that will lessen the symptoms, without taking masses of medication, is a welcome relief. Psoriasis is what is known as an autoimmune disease, which means that it doesn't have a permanent cure, but the symptoms can be reduced using various approaches.

...a study carried out did show improvement in psoriasis symptoms after individuals followed a gluten free diet for three months

(16-May-2005)
Live web chats planned for Coeliac Awareness Week 16-21 May

16 May marks the beginning of Coeliac Awareness Week in the UK. As part of this week, five experts have volunteered to provide vital advice to help increase diagnosis of Coeliac Disease in the UK on live web chat question and answer sessions running all week.

(10-May-2005)
Latest Para Red contaminated foods include wheat & gluten free products

19 further products have now been added to the list of food products withdrawn from sale in the UK because of contamination with Para Red, the banned food dye which may cause cancer. Added to this list are two products specifically marketed to the wheat & gluten free market.

(9-May-2005)
Food allergen 'plain language' food labelling to start in U.S.

In January 2006, new 'plain language' food labelling requirements are to take effect in the US in an effort to reduce allergic reactions in people suffering from potentially life threatening food allergies.

(3-May-2005)
Food allergy expert tells people to get creative with substitute ingredients

With May being National Food Allergy Month and National Celiac Disease Month (in the U.S.), Carol Fenster, Ph.D., an expert in allergy-free cooking says substitute ingredients are already in your pantry.

(22-Apr-2005)
Dump the junk food snacks at kids sports events

In the U.S. parents are starting to think more carefully about what they bring to sports events when it's their turn to provide the team snacks.

(20-Apr-2005)
Children with wheat allergies should avoid Play-Doh

It's not only foods containing wheat that your wheat allergic child should avoid, Play-Doh contains wheat and can cause allergic reactions after use.

(8-Apr-2005)
Lupin flour risk to peanut allergy sufferers

Research has suggested that people who are allergic to peanuts may also be at risk of severe allergy to lupin flour, which is often used in wheat & gluten free products such as pasta.

(7-Mar-2005)
Researchers create pill to 'cure' coeliac disease

Researchers at the University of Baltimore have announced that a pill, called AT-1001, could allow people with coeliac disease to eat normally, including the foods that are usually off-limits.

(1-Mar-2005)
Link found between coeliac disease and osteoporosis

A study carried out by a Washington University bone clinic has found that people with osteoporosis were 17 times more likely to have coeliac disease.

(4-Feb-2005)
Romantic Valentine's Day dinner menu

Create a romantic Valentine's Day dinner menu for the special person in your life, we show you how.

(29-Dec-2004)
Mislabelled Walkers ready salted French Fries

The Food Standards Agency is warning people with allergies to wheat, milk and mustard not to eat certain packs of ready salted French Fries as some packets have incorrectly been filled with cheese and onion flavoured French Fries.

(28-Dec-2004)
Wheat & gluten free New Year's Eve party food

Need some suggestions for wheat & gluten free party food for New Year's Eve?

(21-Dec-2004)
Wheat & gluten free Christmas menu

How do you have a wheat & gluten free Christmas?

(15-Nov-2004)
Successful trials of food allergy vaccine on dogs

With approximately 15 million people suffering from allergies in the UK (roughly 30% of adults and 40% of children), the news that researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine in the US are testing a food allergy vaccine will come as exciting news to many sufferers.

(8-Nov-2004)
Patrick Holford promotes nairn's oatcakes for weight loss

The low GI of nairn's oatcakes at 55 and their good GL factor make them ideal for following the Holford Diet and losing weight says Patrick Holford.

We have the latest press releases from nairn's GI/GL diet breakfast event with Patrick Holford last week. Patrick Holford is the founder of the Optimum Nutrition Institute and a top nutritionist, having published several books, and a forthcoming new publication 'The Holford Diet'.

nairn's oat cakes the ideal Holford Diet food [PDF - 93k] read...
Britain's biggest health survey points the finger at wheat [PDF - 74k] read...
nairn's oat cakes nutrition data and stockists [PDF - 642k] read...

(4-Nov-2004)
Marks & Spencer Christmas food ordering service brochure errors

There are errors in the Christmas 2004 food ordering service brochure that M&S are currently sending out to households in the UK, and dispensing from their UK stores. We initially noticed the error in a copy and contacted M&S for confirmation.

M&S have confirmed the following products in their Christmas 2004 food ordering service brochure have errors:

(2-Nov-2004)
Allergies - how sympathetic or knowledgeable are your GP and NHS?

MP's have hit out at the NHS for their lack of knowledge and skills in detecting and treating allergies.

A Health Select Committee report has said that care for allergies in England is a lottery with a lack of specialists, poor access to services, and only six full-time specialist allergy centres.

(13-Oct-2004)
Cherry muffins

We've just added a new recipe for cherry muffins to our recipe pages. This recipe must be the simplest muffin recipe there is. Great fun for adults or children to make, and great fun to eat.

(7-Oct-2004)
Victoria Beckham secret vice exposed

According to The Sun newspaper Victoria Beckham has a secret vice...

(29-Sep-2004)
Wheat free biscuit product review

We've just reviewed some very nice wheat free oat biscuits made by nairn's.

(27-Aug-2004)
Aduki beans are the new black

Aduki beans appear to be the latest diet phenomenon and it's all thanks to Dr Gillian McKeith and her book You Are What You Eat. These small unprepossessing beans have become subject to what has previously been referred to as the 'Delia' phenomenon, where items recommended by TV celebrities are stripped from the shelves quicker than the suppliers can restock them.

(2-May-2004)
Wheat free teacakes

Sainsbury's have produced wheat free teacakes as part of their freefrom range.

The wheat free kitchen has unselfishly tested them for you, and you can check out our review on the product reviews page in the info centre.

(7-Apr-2004)
Wheat free hot cross buns are here!

Tesco have produced as part of their freefrom range wheat free hot cross buns.

The wheat free kitchen has tested them and you can check out our review on the product reviews page in the info centre.

(28-Feb-2004)
Prince Charles concerns about allergy explosion

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, has long been a supporter of complementary medicine and therapies. Therefore it is no surprise to read his article in the Guardian stating that 12 million people in Britain suffer from allergies at any one time, that we are in an allergy explosion, and that he is advocating wider access to complementary therapies to combat them.

Currently 90% of complementary treatments are only available to those that can afford them. Prince Charles wants to see more complementary medicine available on the NHS.

(14-Feb-2004)
Discovery Gluten Free Mexican Recipe Kit review

Cold nights, Mexican food and a party just waiting to happen. Check out our latest review in the info centre.

(28-Dec-2003)
wheat-free.org launches its new web site

We've finally updated our site. We hope you like the new look and the new design will allow us to add new content far more easily than before.

Lookout for some juicy new content in the near future.

(29-Nov-2003)
Helen Browning's Organic Pork Sausage review

Check out our Helen Browning's 12 Speedy Sausages Organic Pork Sausages review under product reviews in the wheat free info centre.

(21-Nov-2003)
Cadbury's dairy milk may now contain wheat

Cadbury have recently changed the wrappers of their Dairy Milk range. They now read "MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF WHEAT".

So what is the justification for this? We'll let you know if we get an answer.

In the meantime, that's several hundred thousand coeliacs and wheat allergy sufferers that won't be eating their chocolate then.

A big round of applause for another manufacturer persecuting people with a dietary disadvantage.

First wheat-free.org nominee for the title of the Good, Bad and Ugly:

Cadbury Limited
P.O. Box 7008
Bournville
Birmingham
B30 2PT

Last Updated: 2-May-2006