Gluten-free manufacturers, undeclared wheat in your food product is a class l recall

In honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Month 2018,

A series of bites, barks, tail wags, face licks, and pant tugs from Gluten Free Watchdog

May 2, 2018

Gluten Free Watchdog Bite, Post # 2

Dear Gluten-free manufacturers, undeclared wheat in your food product is a class I recall. Why? Because if you mistakenly place a wheat-based waffle or a wheat-based pretzel in packaging labeled gluten-free this poses a serious health threat to folks who have celiac disease and folks who are allergic to wheat.

We know you know this. So why do you sometimes wait to investigate or fail to act on your investigation or fail to investigate at all?

If a consumer contacts you about a “gluten-free” product that doesn’t look quite right (e.g., square “gluten-free” waffles and you don’t make square gluten-free waffles BUT you do make square wheat-based waffles), don’t send them a form letter response or offer them coupons—investigate the claim! And if it turns out there is a possibility (however remote) of a packaging error, notify the FDA, and issue a voluntary recall.

For information on FDA recall classifications, see https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049070.htm

“Recall Classifications

These guidelines categorize all recalls into one of three classes, according to the level of hazard involved:

Class I: Dangerous or defective products that predictably could cause serious health problems or death. Examples include: food found to contain botulinum toxin, food with undeclared allergens (emphasis mine), a label mix-up on a lifesaving drug, or a defective artificial heart valve.”