Codex Alimentarius Commission Sets Lower Gluten Limit
The Codex Alimentarius Commission was created in 1963 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to develop food standards and guidelines that would serve as global references for consumers, food producers, food processors, national food control agencies and international food traders. As of 2006, 174 countries were represented on the Commission. Member countries will be expected to work the new gluten limits into their national legislation (unless they already set lower limits, as some do). The limit will also be enforced in food exports under World Trade Organization rules.
For more information on gluten-free limits and food labeling, read The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA).
It's National "Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day"
Most Creative Gluten-Free Flavor: Cookie Dough! Did you think you’d ever have cookie dough ice cream again? Turtle Mountain Gluten-Free Cookie Dough Frozen Dessert is technically not ice cream, because it’s dairy-free, but according to the manufacturer it’s “packed with scrumptious cookie dough chunks and crispy chocolate flakes.”
Most Allergen-Friendly Ice Cream Parlor Chain: Did you know that Baskin Robbins, with more than 5,800 ice cream parlors in 34 countries, lists allergens for every flavor on its display cases? You never have to wonder what’s hidden in the ice cream, sherbet or ices.
Gelato Parlor I’d Most Like To Visit: In the heart of London’s Covent Garden is Scoop, which offers pure Italian gelato made of natural ingredients. Not only does Scoop offer gluten-free flavors, but they even have gluten-free ice cream cones! (And if you’re in central London, they deliver.)
Do you have a favorite gluten-free ice cream flavor or ice cream parlor, or a favorite recipe? Share your suggestions with us in the celiac disease forum.
Celiac Stories in the News
Norwegian Ring Cake: A Spectacular Gluten-Free Cake For Special Occasions
A few weeks ago, I posted an article about where to find gluten-free wedding cakes. For the sake of those who'd like to prepare wedding cakes themselves for friends or relatives, I asked readers for suggestions for gluten-free wedding cake recipes. To our great good fortune, Kari Diehl, About.com's Guide to Scandinavian Food, rose magnificently to the challenge and published her recipe for Norway's traditional Kransekake, or "Ring Cake." According to Kari, "The Ring Cake is the signature cake of Norway, earning pride of place on wedding, birthday, graduation, and holiday banquet tables. Traditionally made from almonds, confectioner's sugar, and egg whites, it is a splendid flourless, gluten-free alternative to standard celebratory cakes."
Kari describes the cake as a treasure for almond-lovers, with a soft-yet-chewy texture. She says it's also a great make-ahead cake, as it improves by resting for a day or two. and it's easily frozen. After Norwegian weddings, brides save and freeze the top few layers of the cake to enjoy in celebration of their first wedding anniversary.
This cake would be spectacular not just for weddings, but also for anniversaries, graduations, or any other special milestones. In addition to the actual recipe, Kari also posted a blog entry about this naturally gluten-free cake. Thanks, Kari!
Norwegian Kransekake photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Celiac Disease: Spotlight On The Food Allergies Site
Here are a few articles from Victoria that celiacs and their families might find particularly useful:
- How To Buy Gluten-Free Pasta
- Can I Take Christian Holy Communion If I Have a Wheat Allergy or Celiac Disease?
- Teaching Kids About Severe Allergies
- Frugal Living And Food Allergies
Thanks, Victoria!
Menu Terms That Mean "Gluten"
What People With Celiac Disease Need To Know About The Hepatitis B Vaccine
After speaking with Dr. Leona Kim Schluger, Director of Transplant Hepatology at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, I’ve posted an article (Celiac Disease And The Hepatitis B Vaccine) that explains what people with celiac disease need to do if they don’t know for sure that their immune system response to the hepatitis B vaccine was appropriate.
Gluten-Free Recipe Box: Father’s Day Recipes From About.com’s Guides
For those of you planning gluten-free Father’s Day meals later in the day, here are just a few of the wonderful gluten-free recipes I've collected from About.com's Guides. (Because so many Americans have barbecues on Father's Day, I've focused today on recipes for grilling.)
To all the fathers out there, Happy Father's Day!
From About.com’s Guide to Southern Food
Grilled Chicken With Rosemary
Garlic Chicken On The Grill
From About.com’s Guide to Busy Cooks
Glazed Strip Steak With Pineapple Salsa
Grilled Swordfish With Tomato Salsa
Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
From About.com’s Guide to Food Allergies
Tomato Bruschetta
Fruit Salad With Allergy Safe Champage Dressing
From About.com’s Guide to Vegetarian Food
Sugar Glazed Barbecued Sweet Corn
Cajun Spiced Grilled Portabella Mushrooms
Barbecued Asparagus
From About.com’s Guide to Barbecues and Grilling
Grilled Cantelope Pieces
Grilled Rum And Pineapple Kabobs
Grilled Halibut Steaks
Gluten-Free School Lunches? Parents, Share Your Opinion
This Mix Makes A Great Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
I've just posted a review of Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mix. This mix made a really delicious, "crusty" crust. What's more, the pizza kept well in the refrigerator and was still crusty when I reheated it, even if I reheated it in the microwave instead of the oven.
A few months ago, we "talked" (via comments to a blog post) about the problem of finding good gluten-free pizzas, especially for kids who go to lots of pizza parties. Some of you suggested making a gluten-free pizza the night before and sending along a slice for the party hosts to reheat. This pizza crust mix would definitely help in that regard.

