I've searched many many sites and forums and have been unable to find an answer to this, though I'm sure it's out there somewhere!

I've been coming across A LOT of items labeled gluten-free, but say "made in a factory that processes wheat" or "made on shared equiptment with wheat." If it says Gluten-Free is it okay???

I would think NOT but how can they put that on the package? I was surprised to see this from companies even as popular as Amy's.

YES! I was in Trader Joes today and on the package of two different kinds of waffles it clearly stated gluten free. When I looked at the back..it said made on shared equipment with wheat...I almost called over the manager I would NEVER EVER eat anything made with wheat....thats a huge contradiction. Anyways, because they were the only gluten-free products in the store I actually considered trying it..I would love to know how this is possible? Sorry I couldnt answer your question but I definately have noticed this....

-staci

Things will be marked gluten-free (or wheat-free) as long as there are no gluten (or wheat) containing ingredients. Manufacturing lines are expensive, and are very very often shared for many different products at some point in the manufacturing process. There are, however, strict controls on cleaning between batches of different foods. Additionally, manufacturing buildings are expensive and shared even more often than lines, so you will even more often see "made in shared facilities" than "made on shared equipment".

It's a personal decision. If you have a kitchen where anyone has ever brought in a sandwich, then your kitchen is a shared facility, and the counter they placed it on, the plate they ate it off of (even after it went through the wash) is shared equipment. Some people do find with shared equipment and shared facilities (depending on the food, sometimes), and some people choose not to even try it. It's a personal decision.

Good topic ! Anyone had any problems with the : "made in a facility/etc with wheat" food ?
Afraid to try it ! I 'm assuming they have to state that, just in case...
??!!??

I've been reading packages that state they are wheat free but no mention of being gluten free - is there a difference?

yes, make sure it says gluten free. Some cereals say wheat free but they contain barley, oats or rye which is not safe for celiacs.

ive made that mistake before! Luna bars=big no no!!!!

I haven't thus far. "Made on the same equipment" products are iffier.

They do NOT have to include such warnings. Any such warnings on products are strictly voluntary.

When we try new products they are on a trial basis. We do eat products made in shared facilities in most cases. I prefer my grains to be made in dedicated facilities though. If my son seems to react to the product then we do not buy it again. For example Blue Diamond nut thins are a staple in our home, but we avoid Frito Lay products, except I do allow my son to eat them at parties.

I thought it still wasn't safe, but wasn't sure why. Thanks!

You're Welcome, any time

I'm not giving advise as to what is safe or not safe. But for me personally, I just read the ingredients very carefully, and if it doesn't list wheat, barely, or rye, I try it. It doesn't have to say gluten-free, and I don't exclude products made in shared facilities or even shared lines.

Oats are a known source of possible cross contamination. However, I've eaten instant oatmeal many times and have never had a reaction.

best regards, lm

I actually do the same thing Larry does. Many of my foods are made in a facilty that also produces wheat. If I did not have a reaction to it I will continue to eat it. I do not buy the foods that say made on the same lines. I have not gotten that brave yet.
In the end it will come down to personal opinion. Some people will buy them some will not.

I am the same with Larry and Amanda...I am so sensative that it wouldnt take much to gluten me, so then I would know whether or not to avoid them. And if I dont get sick, then I will still buy it. I usually stick to what says gluten-free. I dont know what its like in the US, but a LOT of name brand products are obviously made in the same place so its pretty hard to avoid if a person wants to eat 'normal' food.

~ Lisa ~