Gluten-Free Pizza

NFCA Suspends Amber Certification After Backlash from Gluten-Free Community

After the much discussed "Pizza Gate 2012" in which Domino's Pizza was given a certified gluten-free "Amber" rating, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has now decided to suspend use of that classification after the heated backlash from angry consumers.

"Amber" was supposed to mean that a product itself was gluten-free but could be subject to cross contamination.  However it caused more confusion than help and led to a drop in trust in ratings from the NFCA from people in the celiac community who claim that the "NFCA would rather gain financially from partnering with Dominos than truly advocating for people with celiac."

Read more here: http://www.celiacchicks.com/uncategorized/nfca-suspending-use-of-amber-designation.html

Gluten-Free Rocking Hollywood

Wow! More celebrities, sports players, and media personalities are going gluten-free! A huge thanks to www.celiac.com for point out all of these great folks who are embarking on a g-free diet!

While some wave off the recent crop up of celebrity gluten-free eaters, others appreciate the attention it brings to the gluten-free cause and the awareness of celiac disease it brings to the general public.

Whatever the reason it's good to have more information and resources out there for gluten-free eaters.  

Check out the list of people keeping a gluten-free lifestyle here: http://www.celiac.com/articles/22835/1/More-Celebrities-Go-Gluten-free-Guess-Who/Page1.html

California Pushes Ahead on Food Safety Issues

Check out the policy making going on in California regarding food!  California has long been a leading state in food regulation and now they are taking it to the next level by getting serious about government mandated disclosure on what is in food products as well as propelling the farm to table movement.

People are growing more interested in what exactly is in their food and food safety issues are becoming prominent.  This includes gluten-free labeling laws which are still floating around the FDA for approval.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/19/4348492/food-policies-on-the-table.html

Timothy O'Donnell Starts Gluten-Free Diet

Star athlete Timothy O'Donnell was at the top of his game in 2009 when he was in the top levels of the long course triathlon.  However after some great achievements he fell off his game when he began feeling sick and fatigued.

He was soon diagnosed with non-celiac gluten sensitivity that doctors say left him with inflammation of his gut, gastrointestinal distress, and fatigue, which did not let him perform at his top abilities. 

After starting a gluten-free diet O'Donnell says that he feels much healthier and that he hopes to use his newfound health to perform the way he knows he can.

Read more: http://www.slowtwitch.com/Interview/Timothy_O_Donnell_s_gluten_sensitivity_2548.html

Tips for At-Home G-Free Cooking

Finding great cooking tips can often be a challenge, so we were thrilled to find these small tidbits for cooking great gluten-free food at home! Culinary Arts Instructor, Chef Robert Landolphi gives his best advice on how to convert any recipe to gluten-free.

Tips include which gluten-free flours are appropriate for different usages, how to use xanthan gum, and how to add layers of flavor into muffins, breads, and other goods to add to the taste.

Read more: http://www.cantonrep.com/mysource/food/x271614929/Cooking-gluten-free-Heres-how-to-eat-what-you-like?zc_p=1

Allergy Eats Website Offers Tools for GF Diners

Check out the new website www.allergyeats.com that ranks restaurants based on how accommodating they are to diners with food allergies!

The website provides a peer reviewed directory of restaurants across the country and includes menus with allergen lists and nutritional information. 

Use the guide and add your own review when you're done!

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-webbuzz-20120401,0,6317707.story

 

What Does Natural Really Mean?

People are now choosing to eat healthier and this means more natural products are being sold!  However can we really believe that a product labeled "all natural" or "non-GMO" or even "gluten-free" is actually what it says it is?

Right now there are very few federal regulations governing food labels to certify that it is true.  This is why many independent certification firms have popped up to do the job for the FDA. 

Check out this article for the most popular certifications and to find out how to steer clear of toxins and chemical additives in your food.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/03/2728198/is-that-natural-product-really.html

Baseball Gets Gluten-Free Options

Baseball is getting a little big healthier this season!  PNC Park home of the Pittsburgh Pirates is amping up food in the ballpark by offering gluten-free dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

Gluten-free diners will enjoy paninis made on gluten-free bread, hotdogs on a gluten-free bun, and gluten-free nachos.  Gluten-free potato chips will also be served as will gluten-free beer.

Take me out to the ballgame!  Read more: http://old.post-gazette.com/pg/12096/1221610-34.stm

Find ME Gluten-Free! New App Helps Navigate GF Dining

Check out this new app that that connects users via their smartphone to all things gluten-free!

Find gluten-free businesses and gluten-free shared dining experiences by logging into the app and anywhere you are in the United States and Canada will pop up places to eat and buy gluten-free products.

All user-ratings are based on how gluten-free friendly the place is so consumers can feel secure that what they are getting is a true gluten-free experience.

Read more: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/4/prweb9370128.htm

Clean Your Gluten-Free Pantry!

It's springtime and that means it's time for spring cleaning!  Did you know that you should clean out your pantries as well as your closet? 

Gluten-free goods such as flour and other gluten-free grains can have a short shelf life if they are not stored properly in air tight containers and cool, dark storage spaces. 

Keeping a clean, organized kitchen can help ensure that your ingredients are fresh and make your cooking process easier.

Read more here about spring cleaning! http://www.timesunion.com/business/press-releases/article/Carol-Fenster-s-Spring-Cleaning-Tips-for-3520385.php