Infuriating labelling !

[knitwitty]

Has anyone else noticed that pulses and lentils ( dried , not canned ones ) are being labelled as "may contain gluten ".

I used to frequently use supermarket own brand lentils and pulses rather than canned ones to make curries, dahls and lentil soup. I have noticed that all Sainsbury's and Morrisons lentils now contain this warning . I asked in both stores what was going on as the ingredients themselves ar e naturally GF and I was told it's because the factory where they are packed "probably" handles gluten containing ingredients.

Has anyone used these ingredients successfully without a problem ?

My son is coeliac and I have hypothyroidism and I seem to benefit from a gf diet.

I wondered if washing the lentils and pulses prior to use would be sufficient to rinse away any traces of gluten.

The canned varieties of lentils and pulses seem to be unaffected , of course they work out far more expensive !

[BabsyWabsy]

Hi Knitwitty, the store staff are probably right about the potential for cross contamination. Often these things can be processed and packed in the same factory as gluten containing products. Have a look on line for gluten free pulses. Holland & Barret, Hodmedods and Biona have some gluten free lines.

[MrsPepperpot]

I use dried pulses from various sources and visually check them before cooking. Rarely, I have found a rogue cereal grain. The general recommendation is to wash anyway.Much nicer than canned pulses.

[knitwitty in reply to MrsPepperpot]

I agree, I am hoping that a thorough inspection and a wash should suffice, I am always worried about exposing my coeliac son to gluten as he always has a very bad reaction. he does love my Dal curry so I'm going to have to give it a go.

Thanks for replying.

[MrsPepperpot]

It's always good to hear that someone else uses dried pulses. The labelling has got a bit out of hand, my grown up daughter is much braver now. She applies a bit of intelligence to her reading of labels.

All the best,

[knitwitty in reply to MrsPepperpot]

Thank you .

[Researchfan]

Hi. The Natco brand (Tescos), only label “nuts” under allergens on dried red and green lentils, so may be suitable?

Unfortunately a lot of prepacked spices carry a cross contamination risk. Curry spices especially. The established thinking is this does not pose a risk to the majority of coeliacs , however those sensitive to minute gluten exposure or have ongoing symptoms need to be aware; and the labelling is especially relevant for wheat and gluten allergy sufferers that cannot risk trace amounts of allergen/gluten exposure.

Food labelling can get quite complicated and I commend the manufacturers for labelling the “may contains” and informing their customers as it’s not a legal requirement and voluntary to date. So kudos to them. But, yes, it makes it another obstacle to navigate around when trying to adhere to a strict gluten free diet!

[knitwitty in reply to Researchfan]

Thank you , I will try Tesco , our closest one is a bit of a drive but at least I can stock up when I'm there.

[Researchfan in reply to knitwitty]

👍 If you have a club card or the app you can check online for your nearest store stock availability, before you make the journey! I’ve found this handy.

[knitwitty in reply to Researchfan]

Thank you, I will do that.

[Sapphire10]

I would agree with Researchfan re Tesco - I had the same issue in other supermarkets, with salted cashews, but Tesco have no warnings. Unless labelling has changed since I last bought them.

[knitwitty in reply to Sapphire10]

Thank you , I will try Tesco .

[88cev88]

That is frustrating! I suppose that means they just can’t guarantee no cross-contamination. Personally cross-contamination isn’t enough to bother me but everyone is different.