Food and Drink Directory update - December 2009

ADDITIONS DECEMBER 2009

Page 116 – Meal Accompaniments – Gravy & Gravy Mixes – Bisto Best - Rich & Roasted Beef (glass jar) 200g, 270g, 350g, Rich & Roasted Chicken (glass jar) 200g, 270g, 350g, Rich & Roasted Pork (glass jar) 200g, Carmelised Onion (glass jar) 200g, Roasted Winter Vegetable (glass jar) 200g, Roast Lamb Gravy (glass jar) 200g

SPECIAL NOTE: Over the past 12 months we have been in discussions with Premier Foods about their Bisto Best gravy granules.  These products used to be listed in the Food & Drink Directory.  Although all the ingredients in the gravy granules had not changed, Premier Foods were unable to confirm that the product was not contaminated due to changes in packaging sites.  Coeliac UK de-listed the products from the Directory in September 2008. 

Due to continued pressure from Coeliac UK & our Members, Premier Foods carried out extensive testing and risk assessment to determine the levels of glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. contamination in the product.  Premier Foods provided substantial test results that confirm that the gravy granules contain a very low level of gluten within the safe levels for people with coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. (the Codex standardThe standard by which gluten-free foods are measured. All gluten-free products need to get to below a certain limit to be considered either gluten-free or very low gluten. ). 

We will list the following products in the 2010 Food and Drink DirectoryOur annual Directory of gluten-free food and drink which manufacturers voluntarily submit to. as well as on this monthly update.  The glass jars currently available to buy in the shops are suitable for eating on a gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. diet.

Please be aware that the jars still have a ‘may contain’ statement but we have confirmed these products are suitable. 

 DELETIONS DECEMBER 2009

Page 263 – Sainsbury’s – Ready Meals – Meat & Poultry – Classic Slow Cooked Beef Topside Meal 400g

 Page 284 – Tesco – Confectionery – 10 Cool Coconut 10 x 25g

All pre-packaged foods bought in the UK are covered by EU-wide allergenSomething which causes an allergic reaction. labelling legislation.  This means that a gluten-containing ingredient used as a deliberate ingredient in a product must appear on the ingredients list, regardless of the amount used.

Manufacturers must name the particular grain i.e. ‘wheat’, ‘rye’, ‘barley’, ‘oats’; or some will use the word ‘gluten’ as well i.e. ‘wheat gluten’. This information must be declared in the ingredients list so it is always important to check the ingredients list to assess suitability of a product.

Some manufacturers also use an allergy advice box to highlight the presence of gluten in a product. This is not compulsory but also helps in selection of products on a gluten-free diet.