Hi,
I read that modified food starch was no good for a gluten-free diet can anyone comment? I read a message the other night saying that she uses Miracle Whip
and it has Modified Food Starch.
I am sort bummed about all this because I had to clean out my cabinets. I am 36 and I was just diagnosed.

It depends on the source. If the label does not specify the source (ie, corn/soy/wheat), then you need to stay away.
Miracle Whip, for instance, is a Kraft product, and Kraft is one of the companies that will clearly state the source of the starch.
It's kind of confusing, I know. Visit company websites and send e-mails or make phone calls. I have had good luck so far getting info from different companies about the gluten status of their products. The ones I find frustrating are the ones that are most likely gluten-free but will not commit to that statement, saying there may be wheat in another part of the factory or something. I know they are covering their butts, but it makes it annoying to limit food choices even further when something is probably ok. However, "probably ok" isn't good enough with celiac disease so you have to be very vigilant!

I believe Miracle Whip is a Kraft brand and that is a brand that will clearly list wheat,rye, barley, oats right on the label or they are safe.
There is a list of brands that won't hide anything even under otherwise questionable ingredients. They are found all over this site but you are welcome to email me and I can send them to you if you would like.

Thank you for letting me know that. I will check. I don't understand why some labels don't actually list gluten. I noticed one product that actually stated wheat gluten as an ingredient. Kathy

Thanks for letting me know. I will check with them. Heinz only guarantees their ketchups but nothing else. They may need to make changes to other products.
so they can't guarantee anything else.

Some products specifically say "corn" or "wheat".

The vast majority of the time MFS is gluten-free. But it can have gluten so you have to check or know that it's a company that will list gluten. As of January, you shouldn't even have to worry about MFS, as wheat will be one of the 8 allergens that they'll have to clearly list.

richard

I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to that January 1 food labelling date. It's nice that some things have already started and I can do a quick look at the end of the ingredients to see, oh yeah: wheat. Guess I can't have that.

remeber though that they still don't have to do anything about barley or rye so you will still have to read carefully.

(I know you already know that, but if I didn't say it I would feel bad if someone got sick)