Running List of Potentially Misbranded Gluten-Free Products Reported to FDA & USDA by Gluten Free Watchdog in 2020/2021/2022/2023

Running List of Potentially Misbranded Gluten-Free Products Reported to FDA & USDA by Gluten Free Watchdog in 2020/2021/2022/2023

This list is updated when necessary to include additional misbranded products and recall status. Thank you to the consumers who have reported products to Gluten Free Watchdog and shared photos. It takes a gluten-free village to do this work.

Golden Toad BBQ Finishing Sauce Sweet & Smokey. This product is labeled gluten-free yet the mesquite smoke powder ingredient lists malt barley flour as a sub-ingredient. The ingredients list on the manufacturer website is different. We reached out to the manufacturer for clarification but have not received a response. This product was purchased on 5/27/23. This product was reported to FDA/CAERS on June 14, 2023.

Juroku Cha tea. This tea appears to be labeled gluten-free yet it appears to contain the ingredients pearl barley, barley, and malted barley. The label also appears to include a statement that the barley has been processed to allow the tea to meet the FDA requirements for gluten-free foods. While these details are based on information available online (which is often wrong), Gluten Free Watchdog reached out to the manufacturer for clarification.

Gluten Free Watchdog: Can you please confirm the information about Juroku Cha tea. Your website states it is gluten-free yet pearl barley, barley, and malted barley are listed in the ingredients. Please advise. Thank you.

Manufacturer: Thank you for your inquiry. The barley in our Jurokucha has been processed to allow to meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for gluten-free foods.

If you come across this product in the grocery store, please take photos of the label and send them to info@glutenfreewatchdog.org. Thank you.

This product was reported to FDA/CAERS on March 22, 2023.

Batter Than Good Baking Company flour. This flour is labeled gluten-free yet the sample tested at 177,669 and 174,053 parts per million of gluten using the sandwich R5 ELISA. The only ingredients listed on the label are millet, cassava, and tapioca. A complaint was filed with FDA via CAERS on March 21, 2023.

Sweet Eva’s Unicorn Blend Night Before Christmas: These sprinkles are labeled gluten-free yet include “malt extract” in the ingredients list. This product appears to be sold only on Amazon. Please let us know if you’ve spotted this brand at other retail locations. We are in contact with the seller on Amazon. This product was reported to FDA/CAERS on December 13, 2022.

Cedar Creek Popcorn, Old Fashioned Caramel Gourmet Holiday Popcorn: This product is labeled gluten-free but it contains malted barley, wheat, and hydrolyzed wheat gluten. Gluten Free Watchdog spoke with the manufacturer. The gluten-free claim is a labeling error and they are taking immediate steps to rectify the situation. The popcorn is sold at Tractor Supply stores. Cedar Creek is recalling this product. It has been removed from sale at Tractor Supply Company stores.

Good Food Made Simple Cauliflower Kung Pao: This product is labeled gluten-free but contains wheat as a sub-ingredient of rice cooking wine. The manufacturer advised Gluten Free Watchdog that they were taking steps to remove the gluten-free logo or remove the product from the marketplace. A complaint was filed with CAERS/FDA on November 11, 2022.

Guernsey Farms Dairy butter pecan ice cream: This product is labeled gluten-free yet contains “malt barley extract.” The manufacturer stated they would remove the gluten-free claim from all packaging but did not respond to follow-up questions about product already in the marketplace. A complaint was filed with CAERS/FDA on June 28, 2022.

Miller’s Damsel Gluten-Free Charcoal Crackers: This product is imported from the UK. It is labeled gluten-free yet includes the ingredient “gluten-free malted barley.” A complaint was filed with FDA/CAERS on May 25, 2022. UPDATE September 29, 2022: This product was spotted in the marketplace on September 24, 2022.A follow-up complaint will be filed with FDA.

Agata and Valentina: A grocery store in NYC is selling products made in house using wheat starch, but is not declaring wheat on the label. One of these products is Gluten-Free Ciabatta Bread. This issue was reported to FDA/CAERS on April 21, 2022. Update: The store reached out and supposedly has corrected the label.

Three Jerks Teriyaki Beef Jerky. This product is labeled gluten-free yet wheat is a sub-ingredient of the soy sauce. This product is regulated by USDA. A complaint has been filed. Update 3/29/22: USDA is reaching back out to the manufacturer. The manufacturer had been previously advised to cover or mark out the gluten-free claim.

Vidavite Liver Detox Gummies. Product is labeled gluten-free yet malt syrup is listed in the ingredients. This is the tenth product representing 5 brands with this same issue. Product reported to FDA on March 21, 2022. Request received by FDA. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out on 3/22/22 for more information.

Prince of Peace Lemon Ginger Honey Crystals Instant Beverage. Product is labeled gluten-free, yet malt syrup is included in the ingredients list. The ingredients list on product packaging differs from the ingredients list posted online. The manufacturer has been contacted. A complaint was filed with FDA on March 21, 2022. CAERS/FDA acknowledged receipt on March 21, 2021. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out on March 21, 2021 for more information.

Del Monte Hamburger Relish. This product is labeled gluten-free yet the label reads, Contains wheat and the ingredients list appears to include soy sauce with wheat as a sub-ingredient (ingredients list is not fully legible; wheat containing soy sauce is included on the label posted online). A complaint was filed with FDA on February 28, 2022. CAERS/FDA acknowledged receipt of complaint on February 28, 2022. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out for more information on March 1, 2022.

Neilly’s Teriyaki Rice Mix. This product is labeled gluten-free yet wheat is listed as a sub-ingredient of the soy powder. A complaint was filed with FDA on February 19, 2022. CAERS/FDA acknowledged receipt of complaint on February 19, 2022. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out on February 22, 2022.

Walgreens Children’s Multivitamin Gummies. This product is labeled no gluten yet lists malt syrup in the ingredients. This is the ninth product, representing 4 brands reported to GFWD with this same labeling issue. A complaint was filed with FDA on February 9, 2022. CAERS/FDA acknowledged receipt of complaint on February 9, 2022. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out on February 10, 2022 for more information.

Three Crabs Fish Sauce. This product is not labeled gluten-free. Ingredients list reads, “hydrolyzed vegetable protein.” This ingredient declaration hasn’t been allowed since 1993. Protein source MUST be declared. The manufacturer has been contacted. A report was filed with FDA on January 25, 2022. FDA consumer complaint coordinator reached out for more information on January 26, 2022.

Sugar Plum Sesame Soy Vegetable Seasoning Blend. UPDATE: RECALLED. This product is not labeled gluten-free. Product contains undeclared wheat. Sub-ingredients list for soy sauce is not included on product packaging. Ingredients per manufacturer: “Soy Sauce (soybeans, Wheat, Salt).” Also per manufacturer, “the packaging and website is being updated ASAP. Notifications will be made and we will include an insert in the packaging.” GFWD has advised the manufacturer to contact the FDA and begin the process of a recall. GFWD filed a report with FDA on January 10, 2022. CAERS/FDA acknowledged receipt of complaint on January 10, 2022. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out for more information on January 13, 2022. Thank you to the consumer who reached out to us and provided product photos. Recall initiated on January 13, 2022.

Supple Bears Quercetin Bromelain Gummies. This product is labeled no gluten yet the first ingredient is malt syrup. A complaint has been filed with FDA (December 16, 2021). CAERS acknowledged the complaint on December 16, 2021. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out for more information on December 20, 2021.

The Salsa Texan Gluten-Free Coconut Flour Tortillas: This product is labeled gluten-free yet it tested at 64,731 ppm of gluten. Product reported to CAERS on November 11, 2021. This product was subject to a limited FDA recall on March 18, 2022. On April 15, 2022, an expanded recall was issued to include all flour tortillas from The Salsa Texan. For more information see, https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/product/the-salsa-texan-tortillas/1072 and https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/product/the-salsa-texan-tortillas-report-2/1113.

Welby Elderberry Gummies from ALDI. This product is labeled gluten-free yet the first ingredient is malt syrup. ALDI has been contacted and a complaint has been filed with FDA (October 19, 2021). CAERS acknowledged receipt of the complaint on October 19, 2021. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out for more information on October 25, 2021.

As a reminder, FDA has stated the following about malt syrup:

“Can ingredients such as barley malt and barley malt extract be used in foods bearing a “gluten-free” claim?

No. Malt syrup and malt extract are interchangeable terms for a viscous concentrate of a water extract of germinated barley, with or without a preservative. The terms barley malt or barley malt extract are used also. Malt extract and malt syrup are ingredients derived from a gluten-containing grain, barley, that has not been processed to remove gluten. Food and ingredient manufacturers should be aware that malt extract and other similar malt-derived ingredients are ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains that have not been processed to remove gluten and, therefore, cannot be used in foods that bear a “gluten-free” labeling claim.” Regardless of the above, to the best of my knowledge, NONE of the products reported by GFWD to FDA containing malt syrup or malt extract and labeled gluten-free have been subject to any enforcement action by FDA.

Kroger Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips. Update February 10, 2022: This product no longer appears to be on store shelves. Product is labeled gluten-free yet the ingredients list includes “malt vinegar powder.” This labeling issue was first reported to GFWD in 2016. This is what the FDA has to say about malt vinegar:

Vinegars that are made from gluten-containing grains but are not further processed by distillation may not bear the gluten-free claim under § 101.91(b). For example, some malt vinegars are the product of fermentation, without distillation, of an infusion of barley malt or cereals whose starch has been converted to malt (Ref. 14). Because these types of malt vinegar are derived from gluten-containing grains that have not been distilled or otherwise processed to remove gluten, they may not be used as ingredients in a food bearing a “gluten-free” claim or bear such a claim themselves as provided in § 101.91(a)(3)(i)(A).

Kroger has been contacted. A complaint has been filed with FDA (August 2, 2021). CAERS acknowledged the complaint on August 3, 2021. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out.

Walgreens supplements, namely Prenatal Gummies, Elderberry Gummies, 10 mg Melatonin Gummies, Immune Booster Gummies, and Radiant Beauty Gummies. Update: As of February 4, 2022, Walgreens Elderberry Gummies labeled no gluten continue to list malt syrup as the first ingredient. These products are labeled “no gluten” yet include malt syrup in the ingredients. We have been advised by the company manufacturing these gummies for Walgreens, that the malt syrup is derived from corn and does not not contain gluten. We have also been advised that the ingredient name is being changed to corn syrup. We have been unable to confirm this information with the regulatory or labeling compliance divisions. By definition the ingredient “malt syrup” is “barley malt syrup.” A complaint has been filed with FDA for all five products (July 30, 2021). CAERS acknowledged receipt of complaint on July 30, 2021. On October 25th a second complaint was filed with CAERS for Radiant Beauty Gummies. CAERS acknowledged receipt of complaint on July 30, 2021. A consumer complaint coordinator reached out for more information on October 27, 2021.

Tattooed Chef Plant Based Egg Roll Bowl. This product is labeled gluten-free yet malt extract is included in the ingredients list. The manufacturer was contacted and stated in email correspondence, “The ingredient that contains malt extract is manufactured in Italy and the malt extract is gluten free.” By definition, the ingredient “malt extract” is “barley malt extract” unless another source is named. Malt extract is not allowed in foods labeled gluten-free in the US per the FDA. Three complaints have been filed with FDA via CAERS (July 15, October 13, December 21, 2021). All three complaints acknowledged BUT it wasn’t until after the third complaint that a consumer complaint coordinator reached out for more information (on January 28, 2022).

Hempler’s Uncured Landjaeger (meat sticks). UPDATE (8/31/21): The manufacturer has changed suppliers. Casings no longer contain malt extract. This product is labeled gluten-free yet malt extract is included in the ingredients list. Repeated attempts to reach out to the manufacturer for clarification have gone unanswered. A complaint has been filed with USDA (August 2021). Thank you to the consumer who reached out and provided product photos.

Olly Beat the Bloat. This product is labeled gluten-free but contains “ingredients derived from wheat.” Based on correspondence with the manufacturer, wheat ingredients “are used during fermentation of the Enzyme Blend”. Gluten Free Watchdog has been discussing the 2013 and 2020 rules on gluten-free labeling with the manufacturer. The FDA declined to exempt enzymes from the gluten-free labeling rule for fermented and hydrolyzed foods and ingredients.The manufacturer stated in their latest email that they would be removing the gluten-free claim from the product label. Thank you to the GFWD subscriber that reached out to us about this issue. UPDATE 6/23/21: Via email correspondence from Olly, “OLLY is actively stickering Beat the Bloat to remove the gluten-free claim on labels. Distributors have been notified of the action.”

Keogh’s Atlantic Sea Salt and Irish Cider Vinegar chips. This product is labeled gluten-free but contains dried malt vinegar from barley. The manufacturer has informed Gluten Free Watchdog that the product formulation for the US market has been changed. If you have this product in your pantry please check the ingredients list.

New formulation contains the ingredients: Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Dried Balsamic Vinegar, Sea Salt, Rice Flour, Sugar, Dried Apple Balsamic Vinegar, Citric Acid, Dried Spirit Vinegar, Yeast Extract.

Old formulation: Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt, Lactose (Milk), Sugar, Dried Llewellyn’s Cider Vinegar, Dried Malt Vinegar (Barley), Dried Balsamic Vinegar, Yeast Extract, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid & Malic Acid, Natural Flavouring.

Thank you to the consumers who alerted us to this product and provided photos.

Kame Hong Kong Express Rice Noodles. Product packaging includes a gluten-free claim yet barley amylase is declared in the ingredients list. The FDA declined to exempt enzymes from the gluten-free labeling rule for fermented and hydrolyzed foods and ingredients.

Rainbow Light Prenatal One Multivitamin. Reported to FDA via CAERS on February 17, 2021. CAERS acknowledged receipt of complaint on February 19, 2021. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. UPDATE: Based on product photos on the manufacturer website, the gluten-free claim appears to have been removed. Product packaging includes a gluten-free claim along with the statement Contains wheat traces from enzyme fermentation media. The FDA declined to exempt enzymes from the gluten-free labeling rule for fermented and hydrolyzed foods and ingredients.

Tattooed Chef plant-based sausage breakfast bowl. Reported to FDA via CAERS on January 6, 2021. CAERS acknowledged receipt of complaint on January, 2021. UPDATE: This product was recalled (initiated January 4, 2021) but did not appear in any public FDA notifications until April 11, 2022. Product packaging includes a gluten-free claim yet wheat flour and malt extract are included in the ingredients list. This product was purchased January 2, 2021 at a Sam’s Club. The manufacturer has confirmed that the gluten-free claim is a packaging error. According to the manufacturer COO, this product has been removed from the shelves at Sam’s Club. Note: The manufacturer was contacted by Gluten Free Watchdog on January 4, 2021.

RECALL NOTICE: Chef Myron’s sauces containing soy sauce made from wheat have finally been recalled. Recall notices for several sauces were posted to FDA’s enforcement report page the week of December 16, 2020.

The reason given for all recalls: “Product utilized a gluten-free claim but has as an ingredient a fermented soy sauce that is produced from wheat which was not processed to remove the gluten prior to fermentation.”

It is huge that these recalls are happening. Finally, the FDA appears willing to recall foods labeled gluten-free containing wheat-based soy sauce as an ingredient. This is a first in recent memory for an FDA-regulated food. These recalls also serve as precedent and a deterrent to other manufacturers using wheat based soy sauce in labeled gluten-free foods.

These recalls are a long time coming. Gluten Free Watchdog first reported Chef Myron’s to the FDA in 2014. We last filed a complaint with FDA via CAERS on August 18, 2020. An FDA consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. Unfortunately, these sauces are sold to various food service outlets, including schools, hospitals, military, and restaurants.

Gluten Free Watchdog also has been in contact with Chef Myron’s since 2014 advising them about their misbranded products. Most recently, in May 2020, the manufacturer advised Gluten Free Watchdog that the gluten-free statement appearing on product packaging “is from our quality team who works closely with the proper authorities to ensure everything is correct and testing is done.”

As of January 4, 2021, there is no mention of the recalls on Chef Myron’s website. Products are still represented as containing wheat with the following statement, “The wheat has been processed (converted to amino acids during the fermentation process) to allow this food to meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for a “gluten-free” food.”

To view the recalls, see https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/index.cfm. Select year 2020 and search the week of December 16th under the category food.

Alessi Gluten-Free Gnocchi. Reported to FDA via CAERS on November 25, 2020. Receipt of complaint acknowledged by CAERS on November 25, 2020. An FDA consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. This product is labeled gluten-free on front packaging but the ingredients list on back packaging includes wheat flour. From the manufacturer: “Our Gnocchi is a product of Italy, and packed for us there under the Alessi label. There are two versions: Gluten Free and Regular with Gluten. The two are packed on different lines and have different package weights. We had someone notify us of this issue, and was informed by our supplier that the Gluten free Gnocchi had the correct front label, however, the wrong back label was applied to some of the packages. We did verify the error and assure the product is gluten free.  The error was in the back label with the incorrect ingredient statement. This error has since been corrected.” GFWD reached back out to the manufacturer to ask if the mislabeled product had been tested for gluten to make sure it was gluten-free. They have not yet responded.

The Fine Cheese Co Olive Oil and Sea Salt Crackers. Reported to FDA via CAERS on November 19, 2020. CAERS acknowledged receipt of complaint on November 20, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. Update: As of February 4, 2022, this product is still available for purchase and labeling is unchanged. FDA was first made aware of this product in December 2019. This product is labeled gluten-free yet contains “gluten-free malted barley.” Malted barley (labeled gluten-free or otherwise) is not allowed in foods labeled gluten-free in the US.

Smart for Life Banana Chocolate Chip Square. Reported to FDA via CAERS on November 16, 2020. CAERS acknowledged receipt of complaint on November 18, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. UPDATE: This product is also sold in Canada and was reported by GFWD to Health Canada. According to an email received Jan 21, 2021, the cultured wheat flour has been removed from the product and the gluten-free claim retained. There is still no word from FDA. This product is labeled gluten-free yet includes the ingredient, “cultured wheat flour.” While this product includes a Contains statement, wheat is not listed (in violation of FALCPA). The manufacturer has been contacted but they have not responded. Update: GFWD is in contact with Smart for Life. It is unclear what steps this manufacturer will be taking.

Howe’s Oktoberfest Bratwurst (Beer Flavor). Reported to USDA on November 13, 2020. UPDATE November 10, 2021: We reached out to the company again this year. Their response: “We can inform you, that the beer used in our production is produced with sorghum malt and therefore gluten-free. Sorghum is a type of millet and is naturally gluten-free.” This product is labeled gluten-free yet includes the ingredient “beer.” There is no sub-ingredients list as would be expected if the beer was gluten-free and made using a substitute for malted barley. GFWD reached out to the manufacturer but they have not responded. There have been ongoing issues with the same formulation of product sold under different brand names.

Rainbow Light Women’s One Multivitamin. Reported to FDA via CAERS on November 2, 2020. CAERS acknowledged receipt of complaint on November 3, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. UPDATE: Based on product photos on the manufacturer website, the gluten-free claim appears to have been removed. This product is labeled gluten-free yet includes the statement, “Contains wheat traces from enzyme fermentation media.”

Pots & Co. Flourless Chocolate Cake. Reported to FDA via CAERS on September 18, 2020. CAERS acknowledged receipt of complaint on September 18, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. This product is made in the UK and sold in the US. It is labeled gluten-free yet contains the ingredient “gluten-free barley malt extract (barley malt, water).”

Schiff Digestive Advantage Lactose Defense Formula. Reported to FDA via CAERS on September 15, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS September 15, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. Product packaging includes a “no added gluten” claim yet contains an enzyme cultivated on growth media containing wheat per the manufacturer.

Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage (Organic). Reported to FDA via CAERS on July 14, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS July 15, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. First reported to FDA in 2014 (6 1/2 years ago). Product packaging includes a gluten-free claim. The ingredients list reads, “extracts of roasted barley, rye, chicory root, dandelion root and sugar beet.”

Restructure Protein Powder.  Second complaint. Reported to FDA via CAERS on July 10, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS July 10, 2020. After GFWD’s first complaint the product was recalled but because of undeclared milk only. The gluten-free claim remains on product packaging and “germinated barley seed powder” remains in the ingredients list. The label now includes a sticker that reads, “Contains Milk, Soy.”

Gourmet Warehouse Ernest Hemingway Feast and Rum Runner marinades. Reported to FDA via CAERS on June 8, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS on June 8, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. Both products are labeled gluten-free yet list wheat as a sub-ingredient in the soy sauce. Feast marinade was first reported to FDA via CAERS on September 4, 2019. 

So Nourished Gold Alternative Sweetener. Reported to FDA via CAERS on May 26, 2020. Update: As of February 2022, this product is no longer labeled gluten-free. Report acknowledged by CAERS on May 28, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. Product packaging includes a gluten-free claim. The ingredients list reads, “Erythritol, Tagatose, Malt extract, Monk fruit extract, Glycerol.”

Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage. Reported to FDA via CAERS on May 18, 2020. First reported to FDA in 2014 (6 1/2 years ago). Report acknowledged by CAERS on May 19, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. Product packaging includes a gluten-free claim. The ingredients list reads, “extracts of roasted barley, rye, chicory root, dandelion root and sugar beet.”

Kroger Simple Truth Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets (animal shapes). Reported to USDA on April 23, 2020.

UPDATED INFORMATION:

Background information: Kroger Simple Truth Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets (animal shapes). A consumer reached out to Gluten Free Watchdog about this product. The consumer’s bag contains dinosaur shapes instead of the animal shapes shown on the bag. I spoke with Kroger and their supplier Golden Platter. USDA was also contacted.

From the supplier (email and phone correspondence): Both the dinosaur and animal shape nuggets are gluten-free formulations (it appears that Walmart brand gluten-free dino nuggets were packaged in bags intended for Kroger Simple Truth brand gluten-free animal nuggets). The supplier is a certified gluten-free company. They extend their apologies to consumers who found dinosaur nuggets in their packages. There will be re-training sessions for supervisors and plant personnel to prevent a recurrence.

From the USDA (email correspondence): “We worked with the inspectors at the processing facility where the chicken nuggets were made and, based on the in-plant investigation, the inspectors informed us that the dinosaur shaped nuggets are gluten free.”

Vietti Ancho Chicken Chili with Beans & Porter Ale. Reported to USDA on April 20, 2020. Update May 1, 2020: From the manufacturer: “The “Gluten Free” callout on our Vietti Artisan Ancho Chicken Chili with Beans is indeed an error. We have identified the source of the error and we have been working with the USDA on the next steps to ensure the safety of our consumers.” Update May 7, 2020: From the manufacturer: “After review by the USDA, the Vietti Artisan Ancho Chicken Chili with Beans contains less than 10 parts per million of wheat. This does not constitute a recall in accordance with the regulation. However, we do recognize the importance of proper labeling and have taken corrective action.” GFWD asked the manufacturer for more information about the corrective action. They have yet to respond. GFWD also asked USDA to elaborate on the corrective action. On May 12, 2020, the agency responded that they: “determined that the label was in compliance with less than 20 ppm to be labeled gluten free.  However, the establishment is voluntarily removing the “gluten free” from that label.” GFWD has provided USDA with more information about the gluten-free labeling rule, including the fact that regular malt based can’t be labeled gluten-free and can’t be added to foods labeled gluten-free.

Background: At least some cans include a gluten-free claim. The ingredients list includes, “Porter Ale” with the sub-ingredients list, “Water, Malts (Contains wheat), Salt, Hops).” Regular malt-based beer containing barley (and in this case wheat) is not allowed in foods labeled gluten-free under the FDA’s gluten-free rule (USDA adheres to FDA’s gluten-free labeling rule). The manufacturer has been contacted by phone and email. A complaint has been filed with the USDA (this food is regulated by the USDA versus the FDA).

Nature’s Earthly Choice Lentil Trio. Reported to FDA via CAERS on March 3, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS on March 3, 2020. Product RECALL posted under Enforcement Reports (it isn’t clear when the recall posted but it was classified by FDA on April 3). This product contains numerous errant grains. Test results suggest the grains are a mix of oat and wheat/barley. The certifying organization–GFCO was notified about this product issue. UPDATE: GFCO has issued a safety alert for this product https://gfco.org/safety-alerts/

Bart’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Reported to FDA via CAERS on February 26, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS on February 26, 2020. Product RECALL posted under Enforcement Reports for the week of March 18, 2020. This product includes a GF on front packaging (used by Bart’s to indicate that a product is gluten-free). This ice cream isn’t gluten-free. It contains wheat flour-based cookie dough. GFWD spoke with the manufacturer. This is a labeling error and they will be contacting retail outlets that carry this product.

Sweet Bourbon Crunchers Pretzels sold through Beef Jerky Outlets. Reported to FDA via CAERS on February 25, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS on February 25, 2020. Product RECALL posted under Enforcement Reports for the week of April 1, 2020. GFWD spoke to both the manufacturer and the distributor. Due to an error in the labeling process, this product includes a gluten-free claim. However, the pretzels contain wheat flour as confirmed by the manufacturer. The manufacturer has instructed all Beef Jerky Outlet stores to remove product from the shelf. Regardless, this product was purchased at a Beef Jerky Outlet February 22/23.

Grow Girl Hair Growth Dietary Supplement.  Reported to FDA via CAERS on January 28, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS on January 29, 2020. A consumer complaint coordinator did not reach out. UPDATE: As of February 4, 2022 this product remains available on store shelves with the same labeling. The product is labeled “no gluten” which FDA considers a synonym for “gluten free” yet it includes “malt syrup” in the ingredients list. Under the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations for malt syrup, this ingredient is “barley malt syrup.” Barley malt syrup is not allowed in foods labeled gluten-free per FDA. Manufacturer alerted to this issue via email.

Pike Place Chowder, smoked salmon chowder. Reported to FDA via CAERS on January 16, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS on January 23, 2020. Product RECALL posted under Enforcement Reports for the week of January 29, 2020. Outer packaging includes a gluten-free claim and the ingredients list does not include a gluten-containing ingredient. The inner plastic pouch that contains the chowder includes a stamp that reads, “Smoked Salmon Chowder. Contains: Fish (Salmon), Milk, Shellfish (Lobster, Shrimp), and Wheat. GFWD spoke to the manufacturer. The wrong outer packaging was used. The chowder contains wheat flour.

Restructure Protein Powder.  Reported to FDA via CAERS on January 5, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS on January 8, 2020. RECALL March 3, 2020 posted on FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page BUT because of undeclared milk only. It appears the gluten-free claim will remain on new product packaging and the ingredient “germinated barley seed powder” will not be removed. The product is labeled gluten-free yet includes “germinated barley seed powder” in the ingredients list. In addition, the ingredients list includes “whey protein concentrate” but “milk” is not declared in either the ingredients list or separate Contains statement. GFWD spoke at length to the manufacturer.

Sierra Soups Pasta e Fagioli.  Reported to FDA via CAERS on January 4, 2020. Product RECALL February 24, 2020 posted on FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page. The product is labeled gluten-free yet includes durum semolina flour in the ingredients list. Wheat is not declared in the ingredients list or separate Contains statement.

Sticky Fingers Bakeries Gluten-Free Scones Mix Reported to FDA via CAERS on January 4, 2020. Product Recall posted under FDA’s Enforcement Reports page for the week of March 11, 2020. Report acknowledged by CAERS on January 8, 2020. A second report was filed on February 8, 2020. Product is labeled gluten-free yet enriched wheat flour is included in the ingredients list.

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Comments (16)

  • gee Reply

    thank you for all you do. your work is very much appreciated!

    May 12, 2020 at 9:49 pm
  • Laurence Topliffe Reply

    Do you have a plain list of food that claims to be free of gluten? One that is on one or two pages. I am not going to try to look through your whole website to try to find each one.

    May 13, 2020 at 12:11 pm
    • Tricia Thompson Reply

      Hi Laurence, Not quite sure what you mean by “plain list”. This post is a listing of facially misbranded foods reported to GFWD in 2020. Other lists from previous years are posted elsewhere. For the most part these lists are now outdated. Unfortunately, the number of misbranded foods over the years wouldn’t fit on one or two pages.

      May 13, 2020 at 12:22 pm
  • Judith Reply

    Thanks for your exhaustive research. It can make a huge difference for someone with Celiac Disease.

    May 16, 2020 at 10:49 pm
    • Tricia Thompson Reply

      You are most welcome, Judith. Thank you for the support. This work takes a community.

      May 18, 2020 at 7:25 pm
  • Jeff Trubak Reply

    Thank you! You’re work is amazing!

    May 19, 2020 at 12:43 am
    • Tricia Thompson Reply

      Thank you for your kind words. It is an honor to do this work.

      May 19, 2020 at 8:55 pm
  • Joanne Ranagan Reply

    Hi Tricia,
    Do you have any info on Quest Bars? The packaging says they are certified gluten free, but when you look at the ingredient list, it says they are produced in a facility that also produces wheat.

    June 11, 2020 at 2:57 pm
    • Tricia Thompson Reply

      We tested the peanut butter supreme flavor in 2017. Keep in mind that allergen advisory statements for wheat are allowed on foods labeled gluten-free, including products certified gluten-free. Regardless of the presence or absence of such a statement, products labeled gluten-free must be in compliance with the gluten-free labeling rule.

      June 11, 2020 at 7:10 pm
  • Zara Reply

    Hi just wanted to say thank you so much for making this list and providing everything in detail, including pictures. Really appreciate it as someone who feels lost navigating nyc and the grocery store as a lactose intolerant celiac!

    June 25, 2022 at 1:02 pm
  • Dan Reply

    Hyleys chamomile tea tested positive for gluten with my Nima Sensor, and is claimed to be gluten free on Amazon. The packaging only lists chamomile in the ingredients, but does not say anything about gluten at all.

    I notified Amazon and they say they are looking into the false gluten free claim on that particular product.

    July 18, 2022 at 3:28 pm
  • Dominica Reply

    Hi Tricia,
    Thank you for all you do for the gluten-free community!!
    Any concerns of Pinty’s GF chicken burgers?
    Thanks,

    January 30, 2023 at 7:12 pm
    • Tricia Thompson Reply

      I’m not familiar with this product but just looked it up. Nothing about the ingredients list jumps out as particularly problematic for a product labeled gluten-free especially since the website states they verify for “gluten sources (barley, oat, rye, triticale, wheat) Do you know if it is a certified gluten-free?”

      January 30, 2023 at 8:12 pm
  • Joseph Poole Reply

    If (sprouted corn) was the material of a corn syrup in medication gummies, would high maltose corn syrup be the specific wording of ingredient? Only a few foods label corn syrup as high maltose in the same ingredient.

    March 17, 2024 at 3:12 am

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