Organic, All-Natural, Free-Range Food Labeling Confusion

Are you confused by labels at the grocery store when shopping for meat, dairy, fruits, veggies and more? I sure am... because many manufacturers don't follow approved certifications because it's either expensive, a lot of work to undergo or they just don't care. Here is a large list of my understanding on many common approved food labels as well as non-approved labels (self-labeling) that you may think are safe, but may be risky to yourself, family and even the community.

Certified Labels: 

These are 3rd party verified by either USDA or non-profit groups that ensure protocol and ongoing practices are met to retain the approved and certified labeling. Often the labeling has a cost that could be expensive, too, so know that some farmers truly care.  These are to be trusted, but products could change over time. 

Fair Trade 

Often seen on coffee, bananas, tea, cocoa, sugar and is enforced by the non gov, Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) and if in the US by Fair Trade USA. Further, this signifies employees received fair wages, shelter, health, safety, may be in trade unions and any forced labor is prohibited. Very cool if you ask me.

Today Is Celebrate Celiac Community Event Denver, Co

Today from 2-5pm, just around the corner of Colorado Rockies' Coor's field is GlutenFreeCalendar's Celiac community event. They have brought food vendors, special guests, and book readings for Celiacs, gluten-free consumers, and gluten-free lifestyle to join on in for a few bucks entrance fee while downtown or going to the game for a discounted rate. 

Arrive early and the first 250 will receive a free a gift bag

When: Today, Saturday July 20th 2-5pm

Where: 2900 Fox Street, Denver Colorado 80202

Cost: $5 at the door, $4 online, Kids under 7 are free

Rockies baseball tickets: Hurry, click here

Nuwi Organic Gluten-Free Product Review Quinoa Banana Smoothie

Nuwi has introduced a new banana flavor to their portfolio of gluten-free organic quinoa vegan smoothies.  Let's welcome the banana flavor along with their blueberry flavored smoothie that I found to be once again, delicious, refreshing and filling as a gluten-free complete vegan protein beverage. You may have remembered that I conducted a review for Nuwi blueberry and you should read it here.

Nuwi Banana Gluten-Free Product Review

The Truth. Whole Truth. Nothing But The Truth ...

I keep hearing, reading and watching video from websites and guides on how to eat gluten-free.  As a Celiac of 17+ years here are a few tips that you must know from someone who has been there and done that and doesn't take gluten risks anymore. I've seen the worst rice based foods that crumble as you eat it them, seen Celiacs who cheat on their diet, spoke with people who go gluten-free and don't know that it's a movement based off of Celiac Disease, and I've been inside a restaurant kitchen many times to see how chaotic and contaminated food can get. I'm bringing this to your attention because it's just a simple truth and because the gluten-free movement seems a bit out  of control and we need to gather it by the horns and live smarter.   

5. DON'T TRUST STRANGERS:  Most people learn this as kids, but I constantly ask myself why adults do this in the wrong places? You have to earn trust from people and places especially when they're making food special for someone with an intolerance/sensitivity. Don't put just anything in your mouth, especially when the risk could be severe digestive or internal auto immune reactions. And if you're not "sensitive" treat it like you are because when you cheat with strangers others will find out. 

4. GLUTEN IS NOT AN ALLERGY: It's not. Identify your sensitivity and/or intolerance or neither. Peanuts, shellfish, eggs, wheat, etc may be an allergy to you or more, but gluten is not. No doctor has declared gluten an allergy so be very wary when people say this. Don't spend any money buying a book from these persons or getting any other advice or you just got wripped off and bought them a new car.  Reference article here. 

Dunkin Donuts Rumor

Dunkin Donuts is a humungo cowabungo company found all over the USA and internationally. Not only are their doughnuts ridiculously delicious, but their coffee has radical loyalists. However, the elephant in the room is that every product they offer either contains massive amounts of flour and would be highly contaminated on site in their kitchen, chef aprons and in the air all over the place.

"Please Bake It In A Gluten-Free Facility & Seal It To Reduce Contamination"

Do Gluten-Free Disclaimers Hurt Or Help?

Speak To Your Local Cafe & Restaurant About GF

It's all about trust. Once it's gone, it's hard to get back. There are many great cafes that try to offer the growing gluten-free consumer food options. That's great! We all appreciate it, but it's time to stop offering contaminated gluten-free food as this is not acceptable and damaging the consumer and your reputation.