Dried beans/lentils declaring cross contamination risks on labeling..

[YvonneLink]

Noticed most dried supermarket beans and lentils carry gluten warnings on the labeling, while it's great the packaging declares the risk of allergens unambiguously​, I'm wondering as these things are naturally gluten free, in instances of the labeling declaring a cross contamination risk, does it rule them out completely or are they salvageable via soaking to remove surface allergens and thereby render them safe?

Seems unnecessarily difficult to nigh on Impossible finding dried lentils or beans that don't carry these cautions on the labels, which is unfortunate as they're naturally gluten free foods.

[virgolizzy]

I think it may depend on how sensitive you are. If you are not super sensitive coeliac then you may decide it is worth a try. But definitely rinse & rinse again before cooking. Both my Mum & I can eat them as thankfully we are not super sensitive.

[Lisahelen in reply to virgolizzy]

I agree with virgolizzy. Wash, rinse and try to see if you are affected.

I think lots of companies are using this 'may contain' to cover themselves, wether that be on the production/packing line or as far back as the field the crop was grown in.

[Katepots]

I guess it all depends how sensitive you are. Some people react even when foods are cooked in the same pan.

The particles are microscopic but if you're not super sensitive then soaking should be fine.

[BronB]

Not sure if this helps... I contacted Crazy Jacks a few months back. On the Tesco website it hadn't mentioned anything but when I received them, the packaging said about being from a factory that deals with gluten. Crazy Jacks explained that they have 3 buildings . One for gluten products, one for gluten free products and one where they are all stored ready for dispatch. It is unlikely to be contaminated as they come together already packaged. They have to put on the packaging though just to cover themselves. I never got this in writing and whether it is still the case I'm not sure as it was a few months ago. I've not seen the Crazy Jacks lentils for ages in Tesco. I did get some Natco green lentils and it doesn't say anything on the packaging. Does this mean they're ok? They're not on the ok list from Coeliac UK but if naturally gluten free then maybe that is why?

[Fatima66]

I agree, it is because they are processed in a factory where there could be a risk of contamination. I have worked in the food industry for thirty five years, and I have never understood why companies don't invest more to make food gluten free. They are missing out on a huge market. Wheat is used in sauces, snack flavours etc, when there are plenty of acceptable alternatives.

[YvonneLink]

Thank you for all the helpful replies. I'll perhaps consider trying the lentils (washing thoroughly beforehand) . Hopefully they're safe as it genuinely does seem impossible to find them without the very useful but dreaded cross contamination warning! Here's hoping!