A couple of my Twitter friends let me know that on Friday the 13th Jeopardy used Gluten-Free Foods as a category. Has gluten free made the big time finally by landing on America’s Favorite Quiz Show? Based on the comments regarding the category I think not.
After doing a little research I learned that it was the last category chosen by the contestants and that the answers to the questions were brand specific. Most of the answers were companies whose product can be bought on any grocery store shelf, such as Yoplait Yogurt, Spam, V-8, and Coke Zero to name some.
It is truly disappointing that the researchers who work for Jeopardy didn’t do a little more research into the exponentially expanding gluten-free products market. If they had they would have discovered that some companies don’t use safe manufacturing practices, but still label their products gluten free. They also would have found that there are companies who pay for gluten-free certification testing for their products and maybe they could have focused on those companies products.
It would just be nice to see gluten free used appropriately, not as the punch line of an insensitive joke, not touted as a fad diet, or a food trend, not being called a dangerous diet, not reporting that the food is too expensive and doesn’t taste good, not blamed as the reason a mother tried to kill her child (House episode), or used as a quiz show category with ridiculous answers.
After researching for a while this Examiner was unable to find a clip of Friday’s show or any of the questions in the category, but if I end up hearing back from Jeopardy I will be sure to edit the article.
Did you watch Friday’s Jeopardy episode? What did you think about the gluten-free food category?
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Author Information: Jennifer D. Harris, Atlanta, GA
Jennifer D. Harris, http://www.jenniferglutenfreeingeorgia.blogspot.com
Atlanta Gluten-Free Examiner
Gluten-Free Product Specialist, Return to Eden
Program Chair, Atlanta Metro CeliacsTwitter@jenniferGFinGA
I feel the same way. There was SO much more they could have done with the gluten-free category. My dad and brother watched it but they didn’t think to call me, so I have yet to see a clip either. However, I keep hearing what you said that it had lame Q&A’s w/ brands like you mentioned as answers. What a wasted opportunity — they actually could have helped spread awareness by posting useful info. about celiac disease and gluten sensitivity and how many people are affected by it, not to mention healthier food options….the list is endless!