Cross contamination is not an issue that only people with celiac disease have to worry about but it is an issue that sets celiac disease apart from many allergies & intolerances. Cross contamination is a serious factor that those living with celiac disease need to be aware of and one of the main reasons the celiac disease diet can be hard for others to accommodate for – not impossible but very difficult.
What is Cross Contamination:
It is the when the gluten free product or meal’s gluten free status has been compromised by having it come into contact with gluten – something as simple as a single bread crumb or microscopic wheat flour on the working surface.
Why Is Cross Contamination Dangerous:
Even a microscopic amount of gluten in a person with celiac disease can do a lot of damage. It is very important to follow protocols to protect yourself from cross contamination.
So What Does This Mean:
If your house is not completely gluten free (due to someone else in the house not needing to eat gluten free) i would first suggest thinking and talking about making the household a no gluten zone. this will ensure the safety of the person with celiac disease. When my daughter was diagnosed as well we decided it was safer to keep the whole house free from gluten.
If that is not possible or agreed upon at this time there are some major changes you will need to accommodate for to reduce your risk of cross contamination. ANY TIME there is gluten in the house there is a risk even if you think you are being as careful as you can be.
- separate toaster for gluten & gluten free breads
- separate cutting board for gluten & gluten free preparations
- must make sure any pots, pans or dishes are thoroughly cleaned between preparations
- always cook gluten free foods first & wrap very well and place in separate room when preparing gluten foods – same goes for baking
- separate condiment jars (mayo, butter, peanut butter, jam, mustard etc) or use squeeze jars only to prevent the jar from being contaminated
- Avoid buffets when eating outside the house or during a gathering. the food & utensils are bound to be cross contaminated
- Be aware of any restaurant that fries their food – many will use the same used oil for their foods – which can be cross contaminated through cooking chicken fingers or fish fingers or anything breaded with gluten foods.
- Avoid the deli counter at the grocery store – the meats will be all sliced on the same slicer (not all deli meats are gluten free)
- Avoid any product that is not produced in a dedicated facility for gluten free. The machines are inadequate cleaned (watch this shocking video from Kinnikinnick Foods)
It is very important to take some important steps to ensure the safety of the food for people with celiac disease. I made a video on avoiding cross contamination — you can watch HERE. In the video I show how you can make a gluten free sandwich and a gluten sandwich at the same time and lessen your chances of cross contamination by doing a few extra safety steps.
Up next: Other Reasons For The Gluten Free Diet
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Interesting.
Annah recently posted..Sweet Revenge
Great post a d such importnat info – so many people don’t think about things like their toater or condiments.
Carol, Simply…Gluten-free recently posted..Gluten Free Maple Oat Bacon Pancakes – Gluten-Free Ratio Rally
Such good information and something newly-diagnosed Celiacs (or parents of Celiacs!) absolutely must learn! Thank you for putting this out there. This can help so many people.
Devouring the Seasons recently posted..Making it Through March
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