Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats: A Two-Tiered Approach
For those on a gluten-free diet, the assurance of a safe product is paramount. Bob's Red Mill, a well-known name in whole grains, offers a robust line of gluten-free oats, but it’s important to understand their certification system. Instead of a single blanket certification, the company employs a two-tiered approach: some products are certified by a third-party organization, while others are confirmed gluten-free through their own rigorous internal testing and dedicated facilities.
The Dedicated Gluten-Free Facility and Strict Protocols
Since the early 1980s, Bob's Red Mill has been committed to providing safe, gluten-free options. This led to the establishment of a dedicated 58,200 square foot gluten-free facility, separate from their regular mill. This facility is where all labeled gluten-free products, including oats, are milled, mixed, and packaged to avoid any risk of cross-contamination. The quality control process is extensive and includes:
- R5-ELISA Gluten Assay Testing: Batches are tested upon arrival, during processing, and again after packaging to confirm gluten-free status.
- Dedicated Equipment: The gluten-free facility uses its own mixers, mills, and packaging lines.
- Strict Standards: Bob's Red Mill adheres to a standard of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten for all labeled gluten-free products.
Third-Party GFCO Certification
In 2019, Bob's Red Mill introduced some products that carry the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) logo. This certification provides an extra layer of assurance for consumers seeking third-party validation. While all Bob's Red Mill gluten-free products undergo stringent testing, GFCO certification indicates that an independent body has also verified the process and product. Consumers can find the GFCO logo on select packages, in addition to the company's own red 'GF' symbol.
Purity Protocol vs. Mechanically Sorted Oats
The term 'purity protocol' is often discussed within the gluten-free community. It refers to oats that are specifically grown, harvested, and processed to avoid cross-contamination from the very beginning. Bob's Red Mill sources its gluten-free oats from farmers who follow these strict protocols. However, some industry sources have noted that Bob's Red Mill has also historically used mechanically sorted oats. It is important to remember that all labeled gluten-free oats from Bob's Red Mill undergo rigorous batch testing, regardless of the initial sourcing method, and are processed in a dedicated facility to ensure they meet the final gluten-free standard.
A Comparison of Bob's Red Mill Oat Products
| Feature | Bob's Red Mill Labeled 'Gluten Free' Oats | Bob's Red Mill GFCO Certified Oats |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing Method | Sourced from dedicated farmers following strict protocols. | Sourced according to the rigorous Purity Protocol. |
| Processing Facility | Dedicated, separate gluten-free facility. | Dedicated, separate gluten-free facility. |
| Testing Method | Internal ELISA batch testing (R5-ELISA) upon arrival, during, and after processing. | Internal ELISA batch testing and third-party verification by GFCO. |
| Certification Body | No third-party certification. | Certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). |
| Packaging Logo | Features the company's red 'GF' logo. | Features both the GFCO logo and the red 'GF' logo. |
| Testing Threshold | Less than 20 ppm. | Verified to be less than 20 ppm by GFCO. |
Celiac Disease and Oat Tolerance
While oats are naturally gluten-free, a small percentage of people with celiac disease may have an immune response to avenin, the prolamin in oats. For this reason, individuals with celiac disease should consult with a doctor or dietitian before introducing oats into their diet, even those that are certified gluten-free. The vast majority of people with celiac can safely consume pure, uncontaminated oats in moderate amounts. Bob's Red Mill recognizes this and includes advisories on their website to encourage customers to consult their health advisor.
Conclusion: How to Ensure Your Oats are Certified Gluten Free
To ensure you are purchasing certified gluten-free Bob's Red Mill oats, look specifically for the GFCO certification logo on the product package. This will provide assurance that the product has undergone verification by a third-party organization. All Bob's Red Mill products labeled 'gluten free,' whether GFCO certified or not, are handled with the utmost care in their dedicated facility and tested for gluten content. By carefully checking the label, consumers can confidently choose the oats that best fit their dietary needs and preferences.
