Oklahoma Celiac Gluten Free Blog

I recently blogged about my experience eating at Jason's Deli with their new gluten free bread.  Granted, at Jason's Deli website, they clearly disclose the possibility of cross-contamination.  Their gluten free menu also disclaims any guarantee that the gluten free sandwiches will not be cross-contaminated.  And, when I asked the server, he made it clear that they could not guarantee there would not be any cross-contamination.  So, yes, I knew the risk I was taking, but wanted to try.  And unfortunately for me, I paid the price.  After blogging about my experience and posting a comment on Facebook, I received an email from Jason's Deli.  The response was interesting enough to share:

"We continue to work with and train our staff to reduce cross contamination wherever possible.  Unfortunately, due to the overall nature of menu, we cannot guarantee 100% GF food and therefore do not recommend for persons with severe Celiac Disease. Rather, we recommend our GF menu items for those with minor gluten sensitivities and those who prefer to avoid gluten for nutritional reasons. (emphahsis added.)

We hope you find this helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at madison.boozer@jasonsdelil.com, or to call me at (713) 780-1230. [] Thanks again, Madison Boozer"

It is the recommendation by Jason's Deli that the gluten free bread is not for persons with [severe] Celiac Disease that is significant. There is no such thing as minimal or severe Celiac Disease; you either have it or you don't.

So, until such time as Jason's Deli has a gluten free kitchen area and can all but guarantee there will be no cross-contamination, Celiacs beware!

I love this treat for many reasons.    It is so healthy and versatile -- you can make it fat free, dairy free, sugar free and it is naturally gluten free!  It is delicious every time and can be used as a pre-workout snack, to curb a sweet tooth or as a great snack anytime.  And it's a great use for over-ripe bananas (instead of throwing them away).   I have won over skeptics with this wonderful treat.    Enjoy!

Chocolate-Banana Shake

1 frozen banana,  in 1 inch pieces

3 Tablespoons unsweetened Cocoa

1 cup Milk (soy, cow, rice; etc.)

Sugar or sugar substitute to taste

When bananas are ripe, cut in 1 inch pieces and freeze.  To make the shake, place all ingredients in a blender and blend well.

Another great benefit of this treat is the other health benefits from the unsweetened cocoa, including approximately 6 grams of fiber!  And it should work with any diet.

Link: http://www.okceliac.com/

The Oklahoma Celiac Support Group cordially invites you to our annual Ice Cream and Bingo Party.  Please join us on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.  The party will be held at Integris Baptist Hospital, Conference Rooms J, K and L.    Our support Group will provide the gluten free ice cream cones, paperware and drinks.  Each family is asked to bring their favorite gluten free ice cream or topping.  Please be sure to verify that your item is gluten free because manufacturers do change ingredients from time to time.

We hope to see you there!

Link: http://www.jasonsdeli.com/nutrition

See Related Post: Jason's Deli Revisted -- Celiacs Beware

On Monday, July 5, 2010, Jason's Deli began offering gluten free bread for their sandwiches.  Jason's Deli is known for healthy foods, eliminating high fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes and colors from its foods.  Jason's Deli will serve Udi's Whole Grain Bread, which contains the following ingredients:

Filtered Water, Tapioca Starch, Brown Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Canola Oil or Sunflower Oil, Egg Whites, Evaporated Cane Juice, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Teff Flour, Tapioca Syrup, Flax Seed Meal, Yeast, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Baking Powder (Sodium Bicarbonate, Cornstarch, Calcium Sulfate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Cultured Brown Rice Flour, Cultured Dextrose, Molasses, Enzymes, Ascorbic Acid (Contains Cellulose and Cornstarch). Contains: Eggs

Even with training about gluten and cross-contamination, all the breads and other gluten foods served at Jason's Deli prevent a 100% guarantee of gluten free dining.

Adding Jason's Deli to the list of national chains who provide gluten free options is wonderful news!

Link: https://myceliacid.com/

DO YOU HAVE THE GENES FOR CELIAC DISEASE?

MyCeliacID™ helps make finding answers easier.  Prometheus Laboratories Inc. brings you MyCeliacID, the first do-it-yourself, saliva-based genetic test for celiac disease. This easy saliva-based test is the only test that lets you know if you carry the genes that may put you at risk for developing celiac disease. It can be taken in the privacy of your home and does not require your doctor to order*.

Some of the other benefits of MyCeliacID are:

• Highly accurate
• Noninvasive
• You personally order it directly from Prometheus Labs
• Results are confidential
• Results are not affected by diet

The test can be ordered online at www.MyCeliacid.com for a discounted price of $229 if ordered by September 1, 2010.   All you need to do is enter the Promotional Code "CeliacSupportGroups"  when ordering the test online.  Additional discounts can be taken for multiple family members.   Please call 1(800) 610-1525 or email myceliacid@prometheuslabs.com for more information.
Remember, celiac disease has over 300 symptoms and manifestations making it difficult for physicians to diagnose. These symptoms and manifestations include:

• IBS type symptoms
• Anemia
• Type 1 diabetes
• Migraines
• Rashes
• Thyroid disease
• Infertility
• Recurrent miscarriages
• Down syndrome

Many people with celiac disease state that support group members are actually the source of their information about the disease, so please forward this information to your family and friends.

*A licensed physician will review your request, place the order and review your test results, prior to releasing your results to you.