To be Gluten Free or not to be: My Take on Dominos Introduction of "gluten-free" pizza

If you haven't heard, Domino's has introduced a non-wheat-based crust into their product inventory. Domino's is referring to it as a "gluten free" pizza, with one catch, and a very important "but" at that: the crust is made from gluten free ingredients, however the pizza is not intended or safe to be consumed by those with Celiac Disease or moderate to severe gluten intolerances/sensitivities.

I'm confused.

However, before I address my bafflement at this national pizza chain announcing and providing a "gluten free" pizza that isn't safe for Celiacs to consume, let's look at a few facts:

#1. NFCA (National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) partnered with Domino's on the launch of their "gluten free" pizza and designated their "Amber GREAT Kitchen" rating to Domino's. The Amber rating (according to NFCA at www.celiaccentral.org/dominos/GREAT) is as follows: "This level requires ingredient verification and basic training of wait staff and managers. Kitchen practies may vary with this designation, level one of the tier system, meaning those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity should ask questinogs and exercise judgmenet when dining at an establishment with an Amber Designation. Domino's has earned this designation."

#2. Domino's released a YouTube video featuring Domino's CEO Patrick Doyle entitled "Domino's New Gluten Free Crust Pizza" The description published by "dominosvids" on May 6, 2012 states the following: "We've been working on this for a while and it's finally ready for its close-up Domino's new Gluten Free Crust pizza tastes unlike any on the market that we've tried. Which is to say, it actually tastes like pizza. Legal Disclaimer: Domino's pizza made with a Gluten Free Crust is prepared in a common kitchen with the risk of gluten exposure. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness supports the availability of Domino's Gluten Free Crust but CANNOT recommend the pizza for customers with celiac disease. Customers with gluten sensitivities should exercise judgement in consuming this pizza."

#3. Various reports have come in from users on Twitter stating that there are mixed experiences when attempting to order. Online there is a disclaimer when ordering the "gluten free" pizza; however, when phone orders are placed, it is not always explicitly clear to the caller that this "gluten free" pizza is not intended for those with Celiac Disease or moderate to severe gluten sensitivities.

#4. According to Domino's FAQ, this advice is given: "please contact your physician if you have concerns about consuming this product knowing the following: -Pizzas made with Gluten Free Crust are made in a common kitchen. We do not have a separate area in our kitchen that are guaranteed free from gluten. -While the Gluten Free Crust is certified to be free of gluten, the pizzas made with the Gluten Free Crust use the same ingredients and utensils as all of our other pizzas." Also Domino's has stated, "Domino's worked closely with the NFCA and recognizes that with our current operational model, we cannot beyond all doubt, provide the environment needed to assure those with celiac disease that the whole pizza is 100 percent gluten free. Domino's does not want to set unrealistic expectations of how the Gluten Free Crust is handled in our stores. Domino's would rather be honest and transparent about this product and avoid risking a customer ordering this product under false pretenses. Domino's includes its Gluten Free Crust disclaimer in store, online, in all advertising and on all pizza boxes."

#5. The following occurred on Twitter on May 8, 2012: @GFDoctor tweeted "You're either 100% GF or not...no partials. It is kind of like being a little bit pregnant @Dominos" Then, Domino's replied "While we wish we could've developed something for Celiac customers, we're pleased to give the 18 mil ppl who are gluten sensitive"

#6. On Domino's Facebook Page, they have a link to information about their "gluten free" pizza. It does state the disclaimer along with the FAQ from their website.


So now that I've stated a few facts, back to my befuddlement. How can a national chain claim to offer "Gluten Free" pizza when they admitted themselves that it will be affected by cross-contamination, therefore it will contain gluten, and is not safe for those with Celiac Disease to consume? Additionally, why would such a well-known international company want to exclude the prime market for gluten free products? Also, I'm not quite sure what "mildly gluten sensitive" means exactly. The research doesn't seem to have answers to the type of damage that can be done if someone with a gluten sensitivity consumes gluten. And how do you determine if you're mildly sensitive? Too many questions without enough answers.

In my opinion, Domino's should NOT have the right to call this a "gluten free" pizza. It is false advertising that can potentially harm the unsuspecting gluten intolerant individual who hasn't had time to do their research. I think that as a gluten free community, we need to stand up for our rights to protect the "Gluten Free" label and we need to lobby congress to enact laws which regulate one gluten free standard. It is only then, that this exploitation and false advertising will be disallowed, and Celiacs can go out with a little less worry when they see a "gluten free" label in America.

My thoughts are to stay free and clear of this supposed "gluten free" pizza until you consult a doctor on your specific medical needs.

I know I won't be going to Domino's any time in the near future.

Celiac Disease on mainstream TV!!

The blog is going to be re-launching soon on a new platform, but I had to let you all know about this!!

 Celiac Disease made a guest star appearance on Royal Pains Season 3, Episode 11 as the main diagnosis of the episode!! Click here to see the episode on Hulu!

Celiac Disease also was the main diagnosis on last week's episode of House - Season 8, Episode 13!  Click here to see the episode on Hulu!

Thank you Royal Pains & House for bringing more awareness to Celiac Disease!!! Tweet

Gluten-Free Holiday Rice Krispie Treats!

Tonight I started the holiday baking off with some delicious gluten-free rice krispie treats!! YUM! It was quick, easy, and definitely delicious!!! It's also a great snack for kids, or a "do-it-yourself" breakfast bar!

 Here are the ingredients I used:

Fruity & Cocoa Pebbles

Publix Marshmallows 

Country Crock Margarine

Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips

Recipe:

• Melt 3 tbs of margarine in a pan on the stove at low heat

• Add 2 cups of marshmallows and heat on low until melted (stir constantly so it doesn't burn)  

• Add in 3.5 cups of cereal and stir

• Place on parchment paper in a cake round and smooth until even consistency
• Let cool
• Melt 3/4 cup chocolate chips in microwave for 1 min to 1.5 minutes (do in increments of 20 seconds so you can check to make sure your chocolate isn't burning!)
• Get a sandwich ziplock back and cut a hole at the tip of one of the bottom corners so you have a pipe bag

• Spoon melted chocolate into sandwich bag and pipe across your Fruity/Cocoa Pebble krisipe treats!! 
• ENJOY!!!!!

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Former President Bill Clinton on Being Gluten-free

Click here to check out an awesome article about someone who was able to ask former President Bill Clinton about his wheat allergy and eating gluten-free. Maybe as a more prominent figure, he can help mainstream gluten-free options into everyday dining experiences and help support federal regulation on gluten-free labeling!

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