I wrote to Bobbi Brown, and here's the answer I got back today. As usual, a non answer.
* * *
-----Original Message-----
From: sarahjimmarcy@yahoo.com
Date: 04/16/2011 13:25:09 EST
To: ConsumerCare-US@gcc.bobbibrown.com
Cc:
Subject: Concerns about a Bobbi Brown Product
1. Message/Comment: Could you please tell me if any of your products contain gluten ingredients?
* * *
06/29/2011
Dear Ms. McNeal,
Thank you for your interest in Bobbi Brown. We appreciate the opportunity to address your concern about gluten and apologize for the delay in responding to your concerns.
We would like to explain that a vast number of raw materials from many different suppliers and sources are used in the manufacture of Estee Lauder Companies' products. It is therefore not possible for us to fully guarantee that our products are completely free of ingredients that may elicit an allergic response in highly sensitive individuals who react to gluten.
For example, it is possible that small amounts of a wheat sourced ingredient may remain on shared manufacturing equipment even after a thorough cleaning. We therefore recommend that you discuss this with your physician, because consumer safety is of utmost concern to us.
However, as we do not have a comprehensive list of products that contain or don't contain certain ingredients, if you would kindly provide us with the specific products names and shades and ingredients with which you are interested, we will be happy to have our chemist check for each of them.
We hope you look to Bobbi Brown for all your beauty needs.
Sincerely,
Francesca Gray
Global Consumer Communications
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Udi's
I asked Target, via e-mail, to start carrying Udi's bread. Their current bread selection is the pits. Here is their response:
Dear Target Guest,
Thanks for letting us know what you're shopping for at Target. I'm sorry for any disappointment, but we don't carry the Udi bread you're looking for.
We appreciate hearing your comments, because they're a big help to us. Although I can't promise we'll carry this item, I'll let our Grocery team know you're looking for it. In the meantime, we'll keep working hard to ensure we have only the best products on our shelves.
Looking for meal ideas or SuperTarget® coupons? Be sure to visit us online at www.target.com/supertarget.
Sincerely,
Glenn
Target Guest Relations
www.target.com
(800) 316-6151
[THREAD ID:1-7TO6TX]
--- Thanks, Glenn. ---
Dear Target Guest,
Thanks for letting us know what you're shopping for at Target. I'm sorry for any disappointment, but we don't carry the Udi bread you're looking for.
We appreciate hearing your comments, because they're a big help to us. Although I can't promise we'll carry this item, I'll let our Grocery team know you're looking for it. In the meantime, we'll keep working hard to ensure we have only the best products on our shelves.
Looking for meal ideas or SuperTarget® coupons? Be sure to visit us online at www.target.com/supertarget.
Sincerely,
Glenn
Target Guest Relations
www.target.com
(800) 316-6151
[THREAD ID:1-7TO6TX]
--- Thanks, Glenn. ---
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Anyone heading to Valley Fair?
Here is the response I got from them to see if they had anything g-free:
Hi Sarah,
Yes we do have gluten free food available in the park at 2 locations.
Mama Chetta Pizza offers gluten-free pizza.
Planet Snoopy Grill offers gluten-free pizza, cookies and brownies.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments or concerns.
Thank you,
Megan McKenzie
Marketing Intern
Hi Sarah,
Yes we do have gluten free food available in the park at 2 locations.
Mama Chetta Pizza offers gluten-free pizza.
Planet Snoopy Grill offers gluten-free pizza, cookies and brownies.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments or concerns.
Thank you,
Megan McKenzie
Marketing Intern
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Regarding Amy's GF Mac & Cheese
We have learned that going with whole foods is just easier and healthier. But once in a while, you want to heat something up. So the Amy's Gluten Free Mac & Cheese seemed like a good option. I mean, the first words on the package are 'gluten free'. Flip the package over and you'll see your standard cross contamination statement. So, I e-mailed them and here is their response:
Hello Sarah,
Thanks for your email. We can certainly understand your concern. Amy's
Kitchen produces more than fifty gluten-free products. We realize that
many people who consume these products have Celiac Sprue and cannot
safely consume gluten. We understand the severity of this disease and
do not take lightly our responsibility to produce foods that are safe
for our consumers. Amy's gluten-free products do not contain any wheat,
rye, barley or oats.
We assure this gluten-free standard by internal or independent testing
of every product and by manufacturing processes that ensure absence of
cross contamination. Amy's staff includes a number of professionals
having expertise in food allergens and their testing.
We take extraordinary measures to ensure our gluten-free products are
indeed gluten-free. A wide range of activities and cross-checks are
completed to ensure that cross-contamination and/or inadvertent use of
the wrong ingredient does not occur in our facilities. Examples
include:
v Analysis for gluten in our in-house allergen lab; each
manufacturing run of a Gluten- Free product is tested to ensure it
complies with the Food Allergen Labeling Consumer Protection Act
(FALCPA) definition of Gluten-Free (<20 ppm). We use the best
available technology in our allergen testing laboratory. FALCPA does
not require that gluten-free products be manufactured in a
facility that does not also process gluten products.
v Spot screening of ingredients and finished products at
University of Nebraska (FARRP - Food Allergy Research and
Resource Program) to confirm there are no unlabeled allergens
(utilize tests for gluten, soy, milk, certain tree nuts, etc.).
v Manufacturing is scheduled so that there are never two items
(with differing formulations) manufactured on the same line in
one shift. All changeovers involving an allergen in the product run
first which does occur in the following product requires a full
clean up. Additionally, all equipment is inspected prior to use. This
assures there is no allergenic material left on the equipment
which may contaminate the next batch.
v Separate item numbers for all ingredients; these are checked by
two individuals on receipt of the ingredient and three people on
use of the ingredient to confirm the correct item is used.
v Use of colored tags, papers and containers in production as an
addition visual check to ensure intermediate components are not
interchanged.
v Designated areas for soy flour and nonfat dry milk use to
control airborne allergens.
v Bar code readers at packaging lines to ensure correct package is
used with each product.
In response to requests from consumers, we decided to add the following
statement to our packages several years ago:
Individuals with Food Allergies: This product is manufactured in a
facility that processes foods containing wheat, milk, soy, tree nuts and
seeds. Amy's Kitchen does not use any peanuts, fish, shellfish or eggs.
We believed that customers have the right to know this information, but
we make the statement still knowing that the products we label as
gluten-free are indeed gluten-free. While we do have gluten in our
production facility, every precaution is taken to ensure
cross-contamination does not occur, and we test to prove it. This
statement does not in any way relieve us of our responsibility to ensure
the product is gluten-free.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Carol Tamagni
Consumer Relations
Amy's Kitchen, Inc.
Hello Sarah,
Thanks for your email. We can certainly understand your concern. Amy's
Kitchen produces more than fifty gluten-free products. We realize that
many people who consume these products have Celiac Sprue and cannot
safely consume gluten. We understand the severity of this disease and
do not take lightly our responsibility to produce foods that are safe
for our consumers. Amy's gluten-free products do not contain any wheat,
rye, barley or oats.
We assure this gluten-free standard by internal or independent testing
of every product and by manufacturing processes that ensure absence of
cross contamination. Amy's staff includes a number of professionals
having expertise in food allergens and their testing.
We take extraordinary measures to ensure our gluten-free products are
indeed gluten-free. A wide range of activities and cross-checks are
completed to ensure that cross-contamination and/or inadvertent use of
the wrong ingredient does not occur in our facilities. Examples
include:
v Analysis for gluten in our in-house allergen lab; each
manufacturing run of a Gluten- Free product is tested to ensure it
complies with the Food Allergen Labeling Consumer Protection Act
(FALCPA) definition of Gluten-Free (<20 ppm). We use the best
available technology in our allergen testing laboratory. FALCPA does
not require that gluten-free products be manufactured in a
facility that does not also process gluten products.
v Spot screening of ingredients and finished products at
University of Nebraska (FARRP - Food Allergy Research and
Resource Program) to confirm there are no unlabeled allergens
(utilize tests for gluten, soy, milk, certain tree nuts, etc.).
v Manufacturing is scheduled so that there are never two items
(with differing formulations) manufactured on the same line in
one shift. All changeovers involving an allergen in the product run
first which does occur in the following product requires a full
clean up. Additionally, all equipment is inspected prior to use. This
assures there is no allergenic material left on the equipment
which may contaminate the next batch.
v Separate item numbers for all ingredients; these are checked by
two individuals on receipt of the ingredient and three people on
use of the ingredient to confirm the correct item is used.
v Use of colored tags, papers and containers in production as an
addition visual check to ensure intermediate components are not
interchanged.
v Designated areas for soy flour and nonfat dry milk use to
control airborne allergens.
v Bar code readers at packaging lines to ensure correct package is
used with each product.
In response to requests from consumers, we decided to add the following
statement to our packages several years ago:
Individuals with Food Allergies: This product is manufactured in a
facility that processes foods containing wheat, milk, soy, tree nuts and
seeds. Amy's Kitchen does not use any peanuts, fish, shellfish or eggs.
We believed that customers have the right to know this information, but
we make the statement still knowing that the products we label as
gluten-free are indeed gluten-free. While we do have gluten in our
production facility, every precaution is taken to ensure
cross-contamination does not occur, and we test to prove it. This
statement does not in any way relieve us of our responsibility to ensure
the product is gluten-free.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Carol Tamagni
Consumer Relations
Amy's Kitchen, Inc.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Bobbi Brown make up
Sent two e-mails and never heard back. I am disappointed, as this is my favorite brand. Finally, I called a 1-800 number who said I had to call a 1-888 number. I asked if the eye shadows are gluten free.
"What is the name of the product?"
"Um...eye shadow."
"Bobbi Brown eye shadows contain soy."
"Fine, but I'm calling to find out about gluten. Do they contain gluten?"
"Our data base returns answers based on allergens. Soy is the only allergen in our eye shadows."
"Then it's confirmed: There is no gluten in your eye shadows."
"There is soy."
And on and on with each product at each company.
As you can tell, this is frustrating and overwhelming me this week.
"What is the name of the product?"
"Um...eye shadow."
"Bobbi Brown eye shadows contain soy."
"Fine, but I'm calling to find out about gluten. Do they contain gluten?"
"Our data base returns answers based on allergens. Soy is the only allergen in our eye shadows."
"Then it's confirmed: There is no gluten in your eye shadows."
"There is soy."
And on and on with each product at each company.
As you can tell, this is frustrating and overwhelming me this week.
A simple yes or no would do
Dear Ms. McNeal:
Thank you for contacting us about gluten in Nature Valley trail mix bars.
General Mills offers several products that are labeled gluten-free. Please check the package label for the gluten-free statement on the front/side/back of the package. Only products that can be verified to be gluten free will be declared as gluten free on the label. It is important to check the product label each time you purchase a product because it has the most accurate information about the product in the package.
Because we constantly strive to improve our products′ quality and nutritional value, the most up-to-date product information is on the package the product is purchased in. For that reason, we do not distribute product information lists as they could quickly become outdated. A current list of products on the market that are gluten free can be found by visiting www.glutenfreely.com. It is important to check the package label before purchasing for the gluten-free statement on the front/side/back of the package to verify that the package you choose is gluten free.
For products not labeled gluten free, we will always declare gluten containing ingredients if they are added to the product. If the ingredient declaration lists wheat, oats, barley, rye, or derivatives of these grains, then the product contains gluten. Examples of derivative ingredients include: malt, barley malt, organic malt, semolina, Durham, triticale, and spelt. We do not include gluten containing ingredients in the ′Natural Flavors′ or ′Spices′ on the product ingredient list. If there are gluten ingredients in our products, those ingredients are always clearly listed.
If there are no gluten- containing ingredients listed in the product ingredient label, but the product does not make a gluten free claim, it is because we cannot fully assure that this product is gluten free. While we have not added gluten-containing ingredients, factors such as sourcing, conditions of manufacture, etc. do not allow us to provide the full level of assurance that a gluten free claim requires.
Additional information regarding gluten may be obtained by contacting your health care professional or one of these organizations.
Celiac Sprue Association/United States of America, Inc.
PO Box 31700
Omaha, NE 68131-0700
402-558-0600
Or toll free: 877-CSA-4-CSA (877-272-4272)
www.csaceliacs.org
Celiac Disease Foundation
13251 Ventura Blvd. #1
Studio City, Ca. 91604
Phone: (818)990-2354
Fax: (818)990-2379
www.celiac.org
We hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Norma Stone
Consumer Services
Thank you for contacting us about gluten in Nature Valley trail mix bars.
General Mills offers several products that are labeled gluten-free. Please check the package label for the gluten-free statement on the front/side/back of the package. Only products that can be verified to be gluten free will be declared as gluten free on the label. It is important to check the product label each time you purchase a product because it has the most accurate information about the product in the package.
Because we constantly strive to improve our products′ quality and nutritional value, the most up-to-date product information is on the package the product is purchased in. For that reason, we do not distribute product information lists as they could quickly become outdated. A current list of products on the market that are gluten free can be found by visiting www.glutenfreely.com. It is important to check the package label before purchasing for the gluten-free statement on the front/side/back of the package to verify that the package you choose is gluten free.
For products not labeled gluten free, we will always declare gluten containing ingredients if they are added to the product. If the ingredient declaration lists wheat, oats, barley, rye, or derivatives of these grains, then the product contains gluten. Examples of derivative ingredients include: malt, barley malt, organic malt, semolina, Durham, triticale, and spelt. We do not include gluten containing ingredients in the ′Natural Flavors′ or ′Spices′ on the product ingredient list. If there are gluten ingredients in our products, those ingredients are always clearly listed.
If there are no gluten- containing ingredients listed in the product ingredient label, but the product does not make a gluten free claim, it is because we cannot fully assure that this product is gluten free. While we have not added gluten-containing ingredients, factors such as sourcing, conditions of manufacture, etc. do not allow us to provide the full level of assurance that a gluten free claim requires.
Additional information regarding gluten may be obtained by contacting your health care professional or one of these organizations.
Celiac Sprue Association/United States of America, Inc.
PO Box 31700
Omaha, NE 68131-0700
402-558-0600
Or toll free: 877-CSA-4-CSA (877-272-4272)
www.csaceliacs.org
Celiac Disease Foundation
13251 Ventura Blvd. #1
Studio City, Ca. 91604
Phone: (818)990-2354
Fax: (818)990-2379
www.celiac.org
We hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Norma Stone
Consumer Services
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Just when you think you've got it...
You find out that you don't. Found gluten in Aveda's Smooth Infusion as well as Activia yogurt. This is really getting overwhelming, to be honest. It's almost like there is no way to get it right.
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