Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs - avoid, avoid, avoid.

Tried these snacks labelled as GF. Made ill. Contacted manufacturer with some questions. Here's their answer:

"Hippeas production line and Hippeas products are GFCO certified. The GFCO certification threshold level is 10 ppm, which is 10 ppm less than the FDA standard and definition for “gluten free”. There are gluten products produced in the same facility as well on the same production line."

I Googled GFCO and seems to be an american thing.

I emailed Hippeas back and asked how the heck are they declaring a product GF if there is gluten on the same production line. I await their response.

In the meantime, word to the wise, avoid these like the plague.

[Hidden]

I do remember having these once a few years ago and didn't rate them as a product. They were a bit 'cardboardy' and odd. Can't remember if they made me ill, but wouldn't rush out to buy them again.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Yes, a bit grim.

[Cooper27]

Got a similar response from bol once about one of their products. Along the lines of "We're gluten free, but we do handle gluten in the same facility so there is a risk our products may contain gluten. If you have an allergy, we would advise you to avoid". There's no logic really.

[Hidden in reply to Cooper27]

Shut them all down! That's what I say. Farcical bunch of idiots keeping people ill.

[Little_lizzie in reply to Cooper27]

... yep, you're either gluten free or you're not... cross contamination can be just as bad...

It's like a bag of nuts saying "may contain nuts".... well, yeah!!

[Cooper27 in reply to Little_lizzie]

Yes, I tried to say that if there was a risk of 'may contain' it isn't GF and they should warn potential customers. I was told they comply with legal requirements for labeling. You could tell their customer services agent had no idea what coeliac disease was though, but he wasn't willing to learn either when I tried to explain it.

The nuts one is always a funny one, but it think that is one of their legal requirements.

[Hidden in reply to Cooper27]

I have better recently. Queried a soya product that was labelled gluten free and stated as gluten free on their website. Emailed company and they emailed back to say they do not gluten test the product nor are they affiliated with any gluten free certification. So, label product as gluten free with nice little GF symbol all of their own design, state on website gluten free, yet do not test one single iota for gluten. I've reported them on to Trading Standards. Interesting to see what comes of that. Not holding my breath. The product made me ill also, so most definetely not gluten free.

[Whydothis]

worth knowing - thank you

[Sapphire10]

I am quite sensitive to gluten and have had products that have made me feel like I have been glutened. But for me, this isn't one of them. These are one of my treats when they are on special offer. I came across them about 2 years ago on a day out when there was nothing suitable for me to eat. Had these in desperation and became hooked. Love them!

[Hidden in reply to Sapphire10]

That's really interesting that you are ok with these. That's good to know. Interesting that I had a reaction.