For a few years now, we’ve seen a marked increase in the number of gluten-free products available on supermarket shelves. This, and a growing preoccupation on the part of the food services industry to meet the needs of its customers who are gluten intolerant.
Olymel S.E.C. offers multiple gluten-free options as part of its product line. The Flamingo brand offers a line of chicken wings, grilled meats for the BBQ as well as gluten-free breaded products.
What is gluten exactly?
Gluten is made up of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, and is found in wheat, rye, barley, triticale and oats (via contamination). Persons affected by Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, need to eliminate these products from their diet. The challenge is huge because wheat, along with other allergenic substances, is widely present in the North American food supply.
What is Celiac disease?
Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that attacks the wall of the small intestine, reducing its capacity for nutrient absorption, leading to a deficiency in vitamins and minerals.
Keeping to a strict gluten-free diet is the only way to maintain the small intestine’s capacity to absorb nutrients.
What’s our approach?
For all our gluten-free products, inquiries are conducted at the supplier level regarding the sourcing of ingredients to ensure they contain no traces of gluten. Control measures have also been implemented in our processing facilities to make sure cross-contamination does not occur when there are sources of gluten present in the same plants. We have an analysis and verification program in place to confirm the accuracy of all measurements taken.
What is the CCA?
The CCA is the Canadian Celiac Association. It is an umbrella group that aims to improve the lives of the gluten sensitive. This organization, founded in 1972, acts as a voice for people with Celiac disease on the research and health front as well as regarding the control of the presence of gluten and wheat in food products. The Association also offers a wide range of helpful solutions and advice for the gluten intolerant.
What is CCA certification?
The CCA has partnered with an allergen control group so as to develop a standard of evaluation for the food industry. Together they form the Gluten Free Certification Program (GFCP). The program combines scientific aspects and the rigour of the allergen control group with the requirements and specificities of the CCA. It is standardized for Canada and recognized in the United States and all over the world.
How to recognize Flamingo gluten-free products?
Breaded products: Look for the blue band on breaded product packaging.
Chicken wings and grilled meats: Look for the CCA logo just below the ingredients list.