“Read every ingredients label every time” is our best defense against consuming unsafe food, but it is far from perfect. Our recent survey confirmed the apprehension we all share when reading those lists.  More  importantly, the survey gave us insight into what other people living gluten free do in these touchy situations.

Question 1. Caramel coloring may may or may not be gluten free depending on how it is prepared, but 34% of you stated that you would not purchase a product containing caramel food coloring even if it was labeled gluten free. 37% of you felt that the product is safe — the gluten free label trumps the caramel food coloring listing. For 29% of you, it would be a toss-up, depending on the reputation of the company that posted the gluten free label. For more ideas on this subject, I suggest that you read my article about caramel food coloring.

Question 2. How do you react when you learn that a product was made in a “facility that processes wheat”? 57% said that they preferred items produced in wheat free facilities but would not rule out purchasing the item. 37% said “no”. 2% said that they would ignore the “warning” and purchase the item.

There are two more survey questions plus dozens of meaningful comments submitted by the people who took the survey. I will deal with these items tomorrow.