| Gluten free foods enjoyed a successful 2006 and are | | | | bowel. Once diagnosed with the disorder the only |
| expected to come on even stronger in 2007. | | | | effective treatment is through diet. It results in the |
| Companies have nearly doubled sales of its gluten | | | | gluten sufferer adopting a lifelong avoidance of |
| free brands in 2006. There has also been expanded | | | | gluten. |
| distribution in the U.S. and throughout Canada. | | | | People with Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, |
| For companies who desire to sell these special but | | | | cannot process grains such as wheat, barley or rye. |
| necessary products, it is best they seek certification | | | | Gluten sensitivity keeps approximately fifteen |
| before forging ahead with plans. Certification indicates | | | | percent of Americans from eating bread, pasta, |
| that you are uniquely qualified to meet the challenging | | | | pastry, and other gluten based foods. It damages |
| needs of dietary restricted consumers. Companies | | | | their intestines. |
| should also be fully committed to their mission of | | | | Celiac sufferers may also be sensitive to certain food |
| bringing great tasting gluten free foods to market. | | | | additives such as soy, MSG and other products. It is |
| Certification undoubtedly gives consumers the added | | | | one of the most common genetic lifelong disorders in |
| confidence that all products are safe for those who | | | | the United States. Another problem has been that |
| must have a gluten free diet. It also ensures that the | | | | many of the current gluten free baking companies |
| highest level of food safety and quality are put into | | | | produce bland tasting products. Gourmet high caliber |
| practice. | | | | gluten free baked goods are hard to find. |
| There are exciting opportunities ahead in the gluten | | | | Today there are some very tasty recipes online. |
| free, allergen free market. With the unrelenting | | | | They range from sweet potato casserole to |
| strong demand for these types of foods on the | | | | coffeecake. In addition, the foods can be served |
| increase; manufacturers and retailers are looking to | | | | safely to anyone embracing a gluten free diet. |
| develop more lines. Many are also looking to launch | | | | Although there are many restrictions with gluten free |
| additional products and expand their distribution into | | | | living, you do not have to live in fear of everything |
| new markets as well. | | | | that you eat. However, you must be sensible in your |
| Their repertoire of products includes soft baked | | | | food choices. |
| cookies, snack bars, granola, bagels and semisweet | | | | If you make bad diet choices your health problems |
| chocolate chips. Some offer trail mix that are specially | | | | can range from having no symptoms to having |
| made to be gluten free and free of the eight most | | | | extreme symptoms. You can experience bloating, |
| common allergens. | | | | diarrhea and weight loss due to inappropriate |
| It is estimated that twelve million Americans have at | | | | absorption of nutrients. All of these symptoms have |
| the very least one food allergy. A further three million | | | | to do with the digestive system and the |
| have celiac. It is an autoimmune disorder of the small | | | | consumption of wheat or wheat gluten. |