Gluten free oats

[Budgie5]

Hi there. So I've only just realised that oats although gluten free often have cross-contamination - so you need to buy those labelled gluten free. However, Quaker gluten free oats also say 'may contain wheat'....????? Anyone explain this weird contradiction, and have you found them safe? Thanks in advance.

[Researchfan]

Hi.

This is an interesting one! My thought is it is likely that they are gluten free according to the Codex Alimentarius, within 20 parts per million gluten content/contamination that’s allowed in present Law.

I just checked Quaker online and there’s no mention other than in FAQs “due to farming practices may contain wheat”.

Just checked online supermarkets. In deed the answer’s there under Allergy Information. “ Meets the standard for gluten free but may not be suitable for those with Wheat allergy” .

Thanks for posting annd bringing this to attention! I cannot tolerate gluten free oats most of the time! I’m sensitive to wheat not coeliac. So makes even more sense to myself, now.

X

[Budgie5 in reply to Researchfan]

Hi there thanks for responding. I looked at Quaker online too and could only find stuff saying that they used careful mechanical process to ensure gluten was not contaminated and that their special gluten free oats were guaranteed gluten free but that standard ones may not be…. Very confusing. I need to eat oats for other dietary reasons but it is a very complicated picture re oats

[angelias in reply to Budgie5]

Hi, Thank you for sharing the information about Quaker gluten free oats. I’ve always used the “Morrisons Free From Gluten Free Oats”. I am coeliac, I eat oats every day and have never had any problems with their oats

[BabsyWabsy]

It is likely that Quaker uses the same equipment for GF oats as 'normal' oats. Cleaning down in between and probably running GF oats after a gluten clean down, they will swab to ensure gluten is absent. It's common for oats to be contaminated with wheat at harvest due to farming/harvesting methods. As Researchfan says, it will come in under 20ppm and will be tested during production so that the claim can be made. 'May contain' is sometimes called 'alibi labelling', so essentially it is the manufacturer covering their back side in case someone makes a claim.

[meggiemog]

I actually have issues with oats too - so I avoid them as well as gluten. Oats gave me big problems before gluten to be honest. I made the mistake of trying them again in the last few days - gave me migraine - so I will be avoiding! Gluten is a far worse problem as it attacks my joints too, but I don't need a throbbing head after eating a biscuit ....

[Narwhal10]

Yes, lots of weird anomalies such as Vegan chocolate may contain traces of milk. For those who are vegan because of Dairy intolerance it is extremely unhelpful.

However, with regards to Gluten Free Oats could be farming and crop rotation and/or processing oats in an environment with wheat.

[CATRYNA49 in reply to Narwhal10]

Products made with chocolate more often than not contains soy lecithin. Soy is something that many of us Celiacs have to avoid.

[CATRYNA49]

It's not about cross contamination when it comes to oats. Some people's body's see oats as gluten. Many of us can't have grains of any kind. That's just the way it is. My husband has oatmeal each morning and if he kisses me without washing his face and brushing his teeth I will break out in Celiac blisters (Dermatitis Herpetiformis) around my mouth and nose.

[Cobham]

I understand that 1 celiac person in 20 has problems with the type of gluten in oats so must avoid. As for ordinary oats, they are grown in fields that might have previously grown wheat or seed arrived by wind/bird so unless rigorously checked a wheat grain may lurk. Then there is the risk of cross contamination in processing. I do not have a problem with oats.

[cranberryt]

Every person is unique. I can eat Quaker oats without issue but not everyone can.

[Flagship]

I have ceoliac disease, I can’t eat oats full stop. Regardless of whether there is any gluten in the oats, there is a protein in them similar to gluten, and as I am very sensitive, I steer clear of oats altogether

FYI