Shame On Better4UFoods: An Expo West 2015 Fail

If you've ever attended a food show as a trade professional or even as a shopper who loves seeking the healthy and sustainable food, beverages and services, you'd assume food allergies and gluten health risks are a top priority! This pizza manufacturer, Better4UFoods, was so clueless that it's now time I share this story of ignorance in the gluten-free and allergen marketplace. Health and safety concerns can no longer be tolerated. 

Better4UFoods Pizza Ruins My Expo West

Unfortunately, my expo west was cut short due to a brand, Better4UFoods, that had no idea what legitimate, safe gluten-free food is all about.  I'm not upset at Expo West, more at myself along with Better4UFoods who has a pizza company that decided to enter the gluten-free market to capitalize on profits of the growing industry. Better4UFoods is a classic example of what not to do as a manufacturer in the gluten-free market because of how they do not comprehend the seriousness of gluten-free lifestyles.  

Are Better4UFoods Amateurs?

I'm asking for your opinion on more of the details. As shown above, Better4UFoods' Expo West booth served regular pizza in an oven while their entire trade show booth backdrop had their gluten-free banner, and had a Gluten Intolerance Group certified gluten-free sign on their table near their pizza samples. Let me ask you, would you expect their pizza on the table to have gluten knowing this?  

Better4UFoods Cross Contamination Fail

On Saturday afternoon at Expo West, Better4UFoods failed the gluten-free test. Their booth had a few people, and the staff behind the booth were talking about their products and options such as Daiya cheeses they source with an interested trade pro. I listened in  as they talked about gluten-free, analyzing their booth and the certified gluten-free sign blatantly at the front of the table.  Although, I was at Expo West since Wednesday, I admit my fatigue got the best of me. I already had what seemed like a few hundred gluten-free conversations, so I mistakenly "assumed" this booth was gluten-free safe due to the signs everywhere.  Wow, was I wrong and upset, utterly devastated to make the mistake that I haven't made in over a decade of my life, assuming food is gluten-free without asking. 

Why Wasn't Better4UFoods Trade Show Staff Educated?

I asked the woman and man behind the table what was in their gluten free pizza, while handing off my business card on their table,  elaborating that I was a gluten-free blogger. As I tasted it, they said, "We aren't serving gluten-free pizza now." So I said, "excuse me, this is not gluten-free pizza on your gluten-free table?" They looked around puzzled, scared and in that silence, I did what any other Celiac Disease diagnosed patron would do... I ran off to the bathroom to eliminate all of the recent samples I just ate by all means necessary. I had no other choice! My trade show and my health would be at risk if my body has an auto-immune attack. Therefore, I tried my best to remove the food from by stomach asap. 

Be wary of supporting gluten-free products from those who know little to nothing of a category that is rooted by actual health concerns - Celiac Disease. 

Better4UFoods tricked me and likely many other innocent gluten-free trade professionals at Expo West 2015. I encourage others to come forward and claim if they were sick after eating at Better4UFoods Expo West 2015 table. We can't stand for this ignorance in our natural food industry. The time to educate all and stop turning your head is now!

Better4UFoods Never Apologized 

I waited over a week to write this article because during this encounter I had left my business card. The woman and man behind the the Better4UFoods booth apparently didn't care that they "glutened" me. My card says that I'm a  gluten-free blogger, my phone, email, social sites and that have Celiac Disease since 1997 are clearly noted on the business card. I received no phone call, email, text or outreach whatsoever. One would think that a company with a backbone of either allergens or gluten related illnesses wouldn't stoop this low. 

Trust is only earned. Never assume, and never trust anything is gluten-free until you read labels and talk to people behind the company. Use your eyes, ears and heart or say NO. 

In our natural products industry, we know that gluten-free isn't a fad, and it only has one strict definition. It's not easy. I repeat, gluten-free is not easy. Clearly, gluten-free guidelines by the FDA issued in August 2014 only helped out a little bit. Gluten-free ingredients and risks of cross contamination must be proven gluten-free safe via product testing <20 ppm per FDA. For those with Celiac Disease, we prefer testing <10 ppm and ideally <5ppm due to so many contamination risks.  Better4UFoods had gluten pizza in the same oven cooking on a table that had gluten free certified signs, and banners everywhere. It's a disgrace in 2015 at a natural food show that gluten health risks still exist by manufacturers who are empowered to set examples.  Yet Better4UFoods tried to save themselves by putting up an "allergen risk" sign on their booth. 

I would never buy a product from Better4UFoods when they conducted this type of health risk in public at a natural products respectable industry trade show. Who knows what happens behind the kitchen oven and in their manufacturing facility. That's my biggest concern to other healthy gluten free consumers and business professionals who trusted them.

Until next food show, I move forward, but I'll never forget.  Have you had a glutened experience and didn't share it? Please share it today so that we can learn from each other.

Recipe For Healthy Kale & Sausage Chebe Balls

Just look at those beauties, you can't eat just one! Chebe bread (manioc flour) dry mixes are so easy anyone can be a chef, even me!  The gluten-free certified dry mix is basic so you can add your favorite greens, meats, beans, cheeses, etc. Pick and choose what to slice and dice so that you're bread balls are much more nutritious than the typical products on the market today. Everyone I've made them for (even the gluten-free skeptics) found them delightful, with their warm baked aroma, crispy outside and soft chewy interior. What I love about Chebe is each time I make them, regardless of a few ingredients changes, they always are quick and delicious, guaranteed!

Chebe products are verified gluten-free by Celiac Spru Association (CSA) whom test for <5ppm. The FDA gluten-free guide only recommends <20ppm gluten threshold and Celiac's should feel much safer about Chebe Bread than other products on the market.  Cheebe Bread is also free of all grains, soy, potato, yeast and MSG! Chebe FAQ - get all of your questions answered about what works, allergies, and tips. 


INGREDIENTS 

• Choose your favorite Chebe dry mix as any of them can be used. However, I often use the original mix.
• Organic eggs
• Slice and dice large handful of organic kale
• Slice and dice handful of (pre-cooked) natural/organic chicken sausage or other "meat".
• Use kombucha instead of water (water may be needed while molding balls)
• Coconut oil 
• cheese (shredded, sliced or sour cream) optional

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Blend Chebe Original Bread Mix with 2 tbsp. oil, 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp or hard cheeses work best) and 2 large eggs. Slowly blend in exactly 1/4 cup water.
3. Knead dough with hands until it is smooth. (if gets too sticky just add more water into your hands)
4. Divide dough into 16 pieces, rounding each into a ball shape. Place 1-2" apart on ungreased baking sheet
5. Bake 20+ minutes until lightly browned. Serve warm and enjoy. Insides will be soft and chewy. (all ovens vary)

The Search For Gluten-Free At Expo West Food Show

It's officially butterfly in the stomach time. I'm soooooooo excited for the biggest natural food trade show of the year, Expo West in California this week! This is not your ordinary food show as this is for business professionals within the organic, non GMO, gluten-free, vegan and sustainable manufacturers, distributors, brokers and supply chain that cover various categories from food, beverage, vitamins, supplements and services, too.  Most brands in your traditional grocery store cannot attend this trade show, as they contain distributing GMO ingredients, lack any form of sustainable footprint and do not care about overall healthy missions, just profits #Truth. 

Each year there are more gluten-free vendors, but some still claim "naturally gluten-'free" without verifying their product to any degree. Ugh it's annoying, but I probe deep enough to find the truth.  Remember, gluten-free has only one meaning; gluten-free ingredients and no cross contamination. This requires each brand/manufacturer to (a) obtain a full certification that includes inspecting the entire manufacturing facility, supply chain for all ingredients and testing the final product (b) batch testing the final product regularly through 3rd party laboratories to be sure the food, beverage and/or beauty product exceeds the FDA gluten-free labeling threshold for those with Celiac Disease

 

I'll have my eyes open and big ears out for gluten-free goodies. I do not sample products until I learn about the brand, inspect each brand's booth for cross contamination and find their team to be genuinely interested to share and meet with me. Sometimes trade show vendors are too excited and they look to hard for what's under their nose. This year my plans is extra focussed to support those who provide innovative, trending gluten-free products and call out those who do it wrong! Shame on you may re-appear post show. 

EXPO WEST VENDORS: Let's meet and discuss your gluten-free products. Email me anytime to meet up for sampling, interviews, and sharing your verified gluten-free and allergen free products. Be sure to find me on @GlutenFreeG on Twitter. 

EXPO WEST ATTENDEES: If you're a blogger, buyer, marketer, or gluten-free expert email me to get together to catch up at the show as well. I'm sure we can find ways to keep busy! Find me on @GlutenFreeG on Twitter. 

 

SoapBox Soap Gluten Free Product Review

Welcome to SoapBox Soap, where each purchase benefits someone else in need. Soapbox Soap has a true mission to give back and provide hope to someone who very much needs the improved hygiene or nutrition that sometimes people take for granted (just saying).  Yes. The SoapBox team will make a donation for every product sold. They have helped people all the way in four continents, such as Haiti, Ecuador, Honduras, Canada, Kenya, Uganda, Thailand, India, South Africa, Zambia and even in the backyards of USA.   They provide soap locally to families at homeless and women's shelters along with nursing homes in America. It's empowering that they can aid 3,000 children's lives every day by simply providing a bar of soap, clean water and vitamin supplements to people in need for every bar that WE purchase.  

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Preparation

No joke ladies and gentleman, as first featured in the Onion, there is no doubt a sexual halo around Valentine's Day. Some are more courageous than others, but needless to say, it's still a romantic time of year to share, chase and spend time with someone you care about. Old St Valentine may be wondering how/where the times have changed, but hey it's #Merica 2015 and we're not getting any younger, we're getting more advanced and more silly and bizarre. Take it for what it's worth, and play your day tomorrow on Valentine's Day with some jazz, special gluten-free created foods and look your best :) however that connects with you. As first shard by the Onion in 2010, here is your Valentine's Day tip of the day.

I'll be spending Valentine's Day on a double date with the woman of my dreams, and my parents. In fact, we're having a chicken and salmon bbq dinner in the snow. Take out the thermal underwear and pour your gluten-free vodka for a cocktail it's going to be cool out there, possibly in the single digits. Add some Russian potatoes salad, hearty green salad and a side of mixed greens on the bbq (asparagus, onions, mushrooms and peppers) with oil and pink salt. Eat good, be well, enjoy the good times. Spend time with someone you love or just be with those you care about so that you're living well and laughing everyday.

How To Eat Gluten Free From A Diagnosed Celiac Disease

Receiving a diagnosis is usually going to change your life for the better! With a doctor's diagnosis and enough research around the journey to this diagnosis, should shed light on what's the new chapter in your life to recover and sustain your health. If you haven't felt that you've done ample studies, testing, and your doctor doesn't make you feel warm and fuzzy about a life gluten-free without medication then you may want to get a second or third opinion.

Going gluten-free for those with Celiac Disease can in a few months or longer regain your nutrition absorption, gain weight, reduce common symptoms and you should get your blood checked and even a follow up endoscopy or colonoscopy to be sure you're healing. However, the only way you can get on the road to recovery is a 100% gluten-free lifestyle and that includes cross contamination risks that we face everyday, everywhere we go. Reducing your gluten intake will only help a little because if you keep 'poisoning' yourself by taking risks at restaurants, friends homes, purchasing packaged goods, or in your own home then you're going to be sick forever.

These changes should not scare you, but embrace them as you have a second chance on living healthy and smart. You can gain an education on where food comes from, manufacturing, labeling laws, and how to prepare you down food to stay in control with reduce risks. When I was diagnosed in 1997 as a young 14 year old, I was scared and needed help, but the first thing I learned was hot to say 'No" and where to find my comfort foods which was salads and unfortunately chips! Having the ability to go somewhere and have fun while being able to say "NO" to risks changed my life to continue to be a functioning athlete at a high level and find joy throughout my entire life because I was healthy and in control of life :)

How To Live 100% Gluten-Free by A Celiac 

• Stop eating out 99% - The truth is that a restaurant can't be gluten-free when the risk of contamination is everywhere (chef hands, aprons, surfaces, pots, pans, and human mistake.  If you choose to go out you should eat at the same few places because you can trust them. This is always a risk, but hopefully it can become a low, more trusted risk. Most gluten-free apps showcasing gluten-free menus are not gluten-free and you need to be very careful where you trust. 

• Learn how to cook/bake - It's vital to your recovery and your life as a human being to diversify your skill-set and understand how to cook and bake. In doing so you'll walk into the grocery store, farmers market and succeed in a whole new way in life and effect others in doing so. Prepare your own foods, explore new ingredients, and realize that there are so many new options out there and plan your day/week accordingly. I'd even suggest taking a cooking class, but those rarely have gluten-free facilities and the aprons are covered in gluten :( so be wary. 

• Learn about food sources - When you find out where food comes from and how animals are treated, you likely will be disappointed. Truth. A box of packaged food is far removed from fresh unless it's a certain raw product. Learn about food through the supply chain and make smart decisions. 

• Read labels - When in doubt don't eat it. Many products are verified gluten-free if not, call them up and if they have done 3rd party testing and can PROVE it, otherwise then skip it, and go buy something fresh not in a box/pack :) like fruit and vegetables and live without a bad risk that day. 

• If someone glutens you, never ever go back - Whether it's family, friends or a restaurant. Do not allow yourself to be a victim so bring your own food and stay in control. You can still hang out and socialize, but do not eat the food there again and confront them privately and say that it's best that you prepare your own food ahead of time. Don't let it get awkward and just move on while having fun. If they can't handle the confrontation then have mediator who can help. 

• Avoid Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) - There is not enough research to showcase that GMO are safe at all and on the contrary research shows health risks. Plan to eat organic or at least hybrid food and wash them well. Google "GMO Facts" and you'll never eat a GMO again. GMOs are scary and I do not eat them by asking questions and shopping organic smartly and thrifty. 

• Lear to say "No"99% of the time - Seriously, this is a big challenge, but you can do this kindly, and prepare ahead of time with fresh snacks, raw foods, and prepare meals because most places do not have gluten-free options. Don't trust strangers who can't prove their foods or beverages are not contaminated. So look around and trust your instincts to say NO before YES. Most friends and family will learn how to properly shop and care for your gluten-free needs, but they need to learn the right way, the hard way.