Trader Joe's Forced To Change Gluten Labeling

Knock Knock

Who's There?

Trader Joe's 

  Trader Joe's Who?

Leadership Woes

For many years Trader Joe's have claimed to be at the forefront of gluten labeling. But we all know that's a joke because their labeling is the laughing stock of the gluten-free industry. Why? They have been labeling g+ products for years that albeit may have no gluten ingredients, but admit these products are strongly believed to have all sorts of cross contamination concerns and tell shoppers on a strict gluten free lifestyle to avoid them! Hmm, that's a mixed message, isn't it?! That makes no sense Trader Joe's team.  In reality, this signifies that gluten-free food is being polluted with other gluten containing foods from either supplier, manufacturer or preparation, but their staff has been promoting is as a legitimate gluten-free product in the marketplace and Trader Joe's doesn't seem to care.  The heart wrench is that those innocent people with Celiac Disease, gluten intolerance, wheat allergies, and a variety of lifestyles that find gluten to be damaging to their health have been lied to.  This is a big deal and their lack of respect below could be interpreted that they don't care. 

Inconsiderate Label Changes

Example: Trader Joe's management and staff have told me dozens of time that their dark chocolate gluten-free almonds were indeed gluten-free. Skeptical, a few years ago I did believe them until I got very ill! I stopped and was very glad to have the will power to find a safer product elsewhere. Now that the FDA has enforced an August, 2014 gluten-free guideline you can see that Trader Joe's has legally been forced to end their deliberately misleading g+ no gluten ingredient claims.  See how these once g+ dark chocolate almonds now have a black marker crossing them off and their staff finally say to avoid them as a gluten-free consumer. This is a big deal and they show it with such disrespect.  You'd think that Trader Joe's who claim to be at the forefront of the natural food and gluten-free labeling would know that our bodies are smarter than their false advertising.

In Summary

• Trader Joe's new GF claims: Product that are labeled "gluten-free" abide by FDA
• What's next for Trader Joe's g+ label: It's being retired forever - Hallelujah!
• Will I Shop There: I purchase mostly produce and some meat and poultry.
• Recommendation: Shop elsewhere where you can trust and shop on the borders of grocery stores for perishable produce, meat, poultry and fish and look for certified GF products to trust. 

FDA Guidelines Are Working!

Thank you FDA for putting together a gluten-free guideline! Now be sure to enforce it, police restaurants, brands and retailers and hold business accountable for mislabeling to the public.  Shoppers must continue to be wary and when in doubt do not eat or drink anything that isn't clearly labeled gluten-free and has no risk of gluten contamination. Call the 1800 brand and find out how they back up their gluten-free claim. Re-gain control of your life and your health. Say no. Live smarter.