So, I run into a local Atlanta Publix and head straight to the Gluten Free section which happens to be right in the middle of the Flour and baking stuff, and I spot a new item in a bright pink box! Fat-free Cappuccino brownies!!! It says, just add yogurt, and something about making single servings in the microwave! Being that I don't cook, the microwave is my best friend so I was extra excited at my new find.I pick up the box, and like I do with every food product, I begin inspecting the Ingredients label. Much to my chagrin, two words jumped right up and jabbed me right in the side. Bleached WHEAT FLOUR, and WHEAT GLUTEN.
Horrified, I look over and see an employee putting away a few items. I asked the young woman if could speak to the manager. She politely asked what my issue was and I explained that had I not read the label, I could have very easily picked up this item believing it was gluten free (after all, it is with the gluten-free items)and ended up in the hospital again. She quickly located the manager on duty and brought her right to me. At first the woman just looked at me as if I had three heads, but after again mentioning the word 'HOSPITAL' she immediately began removing the "offensive" items from the shelf. She explained to me that everything in the store is placed by a chart that they receive from upper management and that she will check the chart to see if it may have been placed there in error, and bring it to the attention of the store manager.
I truly hope it was placed in error. Things happen and I can totally understand that, this is why it is so important to ALWAYS inspect labels. If it is really mapped to be in that spot, I desperately urge Publix to find a new location for this product. It would also be fine if they were to place the gluten free items in normal spots, like Quinoa pasta on the pasta isle, and Panda Puffs on the cereal isle. It is much easier when there is a special location for these foods but I have easily been able to find my favorite products in Kroger and Walmart, where they are placed according to the type of food. One other thing while I'm on the subject, Walmart has their own little way of slapping Celiacs in the face. The Chex cereal comes in several flavors and many are gluten-free. The Walmart on Gresham Road has a few flavors marked in big letters GLUTEN FREE! and right in the middle of the gluten free selections is WHEAT CHEX. The difference here though is that the boxes are very clearly marked on the front of the package. There is no mistaking which products are safe.
Please be aware of new products, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS check the labels. My next blog will be about my favorite Gluten-free products. Things I absolutely could not live without and tasty treats my butt probably could live without. Thank you for reading and feel free to leave any comments, links, or helpful information.
