The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act passed in 2004 and it required the FDA to set gluten-free labeling legislation by 2008, but here we are in October 2012 with no finalized gluten-free labeling legislation. There is now an open petition on the White House website asking the Obama administration to finalize gluten-free labeling now.
If you are new to the gluten-free diet, you are probably just figuring out that it isn’t just food that you need to check the gluten-free status of, but anything that could potentially end up in your mouth. Some people have a skin condition associated with Celiac Disease called Dermatitis Herpetiformis and those people must avoid skin contact with gluten regardless if the product is going to come in contact with your mouth (digestive system.). I know that most of us adults don’t intentionally eat health & beauty products, but I know that I have ended up with shampoo in my mouth and if your hand lotion contains gluten, that could potentially cause an issue.
I recently had the opportunity to try out two new ChapStick products: (more…)
New gluten-free products flavor of Kale Chips from Brad’s Credit: Brad’s Raw Foods
I was not able to go to Expo East this year, so I have been researching blogs and tweets to see what gluten-free products got some buzz. After researching, I didn’t find a whole lot of new products that weren’t introduced earlier in the year at Expo West (sister show in California), but there were some interesting ones. (more…)
I just learned about two new support groups for those on the gluten-free diet in Statesville, NC and Tri Cities/Johnson City, TN. The two new groups are:
September 12th, 2012 by Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD, LD
I am really excited to be moderating a panel on Gluten Free Blogging at 35th Annual Celiac Sprue Association on October 4-6thon Long Island in Hauppauge, NY. There will be great sessions on the latest and greatest from the Columbia Celiac Center, dietary tips, gluten-sensitivity, and panels on gluten-free baking, travel, and dining out. There will even be a clam bake, wine tasting, tours and more!
And the session will focus on how gluten-free blogging can benefit EVERYONE—well, anyone with a computer. Blogging is a great way to connect and share ideas, get information and support and be dazzled by the recipes and pictures! This virtual community is a fantastic resource for anyone with Celiac or on a (more…)
Seashore Celiac Support Group CSA #96 is pleased to announce its 11th annual 100% Gluten Free Picnic in conjunction with Central Jersey Celiac/DH Support Group and Cel-Kids Network CSA#58.
Now bigger and better than ever!!
When: Sunday June 24, 2012 (Rain or Shine), 1 to 5 pm
It is wonderful to see individual states supporting celiac disease awareness. This April, Alaska became the latest to pass a resolution recognizing May as Celiac Awareness Month. Governor Sean Parnell and Senator Cathy Giessel are applauded for their efforts to advance celiac disease awareness.
Gov. Parnell & Sen. Giessel with the Celiac Awareness Month Resolution
(Juneau) – A resolution to proclaim May 2012 as Celiac Disease Awareness Month, SCR 16, was signed by the governor, Sean Parnell, today.
Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, an advanced nurse practitioner, sponsored SCR 16 after being approached by a constituent of hers, Brandy Wendler, also a nurse practitioner, who was diagnosed 4 years ago. Together, they wanted to bring greater public awareness to a disease that is much more common than many realize, and often goes undiagnosed. Mrs. Wendler reported, “Statistics tell us that 1 in 133 people have Celiac Disease, which is three million Americans, yet 97% of them do not know it.” May is also (more…)
Anchorage, Alaska: Brandy Wendler is a familiar face in the gluten-free world. Just over a year ago, she captured our hearts when she won her first Mrs. Alaska title. Since then, she has been pursuing her goal to raise awareness for Celiac Disease and gluten intolerances. She has had the opportunity to travel cross-country making appearances and educating about a disease that affects over 3 million Americans. She has also started her own non-profit organization, A Spoonful of Wellness, and designed gluten-free menus for local restaurants in Anchorage. Brandy was diagnosed with Celiac Disease over 4 years ago and says her goal is to “decrease the number of people who have this disease and don’t know it.”
Recently, Brandy received the opportunity to continue serving the community in a unique way by being elected for a second title, (more…)