| Have you been searching for a bakery that is | | | | those with gluten diet restrictions - and not just |
| entirely gluten free to reduce the chances of | | | | from those who don't know better. "Cross |
| becoming ill from "cross contamination" of baked | | | | contamination" can occur from using utensils, |
| goods during the preparation process? | | | | dishes or pots that have cooked products with |
| For those having a wheat allergy or celiac disease | | | | gluten, mistakes in product handling and lack of |
| finding baked goods that not only taste good but | | | | knowledge when choosing ingredients. |
| are safe to consume is no easy task. Many of | | | | The fact is that gluten and wheat are in so many |
| our best baking processes have been developed | | | | everyday products that we consume. And while |
| over hundreds of years and sometimes modern | | | | many bakeries would love to sell you products |
| efforts to replace wheat or flour in the baking | | | | they think are gluten free - if it is not a dedicated |
| process leads to less than stellar results. | | | | gluten free bakery there is always the risk that |
| A true GF bakery is dedicated to producing | | | | allergens may make their way into your food. |
| products that are safe to consume for those with | | | | And unfortunately the consequences can be |
| these dietary restrictions or sensitivity. This | | | | serious for those who should not consume any |
| means that ONLY gluten free products will be | | | | gluten in their diets. |
| produced in that facility - and that flour, wheat or | | | | Gluten Free Bakeries Provide Health and Safe |
| other allergen causing products should not be | | | | Food Choices |
| allowed on site. | | | | So next time you are shopping for something |
| Many of us have learned how important these | | | | gluten free like muffins, breads or cakes that |
| safeguards are as sometimes mistakes are made | | | | don't taste like cardboard - look carefully to see if |
| with food processing, handling or preparation by | | | | what you are buying was made in a gluten free |
| people or businesses with the best of intentions. | | | | bakery. Generally speaking those products will be |
| What are the signs of a truly "gluten free" bakery: | | | | safe to consume and will probably taste better as |
| - No gluten, wheat, flours or other allergens | | | | the owners are most likely fanatics about |
| allowed on site | | | | maintaining a gluten free facility. |
| - Tested and safe gluten alternatives are used in | | | | And if you are struggling to find a good selection |
| the baking process. | | | | of palatable goods at your traditional local retailer |
| - Dishes, bowls and mixing utensils have not been | | | | we recommend that you go online, shop and |
| used to prepare products which may have gluten, | | | | have products shipped fresh right to your door. |
| wheat or similar products in them. | | | | There is a great selection of online retailers that |
| - Cooking sheets and surfaces are used | | | | offer a variety of delicious items including muffins, |
| exclusively for gluten free baking | | | | pizza, breads, brownies and other delicious goods |
| - Health information, ingredients and labels are | | | | baked with alternative ingredients. Some online |
| clearly visible | | | | stores will even allow you to leave comments or |
| - No gluten or wheat based products are | | | | reviews in posts on the site. |
| produced in that facility | | | | Generally speaking gluten free products and |
| - Employees can answer any questions about | | | | especially baked goods are steadily improving. In |
| ingredients or the baking process. | | | | addition to improved flavor and product |
| What do you mean "cross contamination"? | | | | categories, they also now feature improved |
| Using these standards may require you to look | | | | nutrition and increased use of organic products |
| elsewhere for baked goods but for good reason. | | | | that can satisfy those who have casein or sugar |
| Cross contamination is a very real danger to | | | | diet restrictions. |