McCormick's Stance on Single-Ingredient Spices
McCormick has publicly stated that all of their pure, single-ingredient spices and herbs are gluten-free. For a product like McCormick oregano leaves, which is just the dried herb and nothing else, there are no gluten-containing ingredients in the formulation. The company's policy is to use "plain English" allergen labeling, so any product with a gluten-containing ingredient will clearly list the source, such as "wheat" or "barley". This is reassuring for many consumers who avoid gluten.
Pure Herbs vs. Seasoning Blends
It is critical to distinguish between a pure herb and a seasoning blend when dealing with potential gluten sources. While McCormick's pure oregano leaves are free of gluten-containing ingredients, their seasoning blends are where caution is needed. Some mixes, like certain taco or chili seasonings, may contain flour or wheat-derived additives for thickening or flavor. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the ingredient list on any multi-ingredient McCormick product, as the company explicitly states that gluten will be declared.
The Risk of Cross-Contamination
For individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, a product being "naturally gluten-free" is not the only consideration. Cross-contamination during manufacturing is a significant concern.
Shared Equipment and Production Lines
McCormick, despite its good manufacturing practices, has stated that it does run some of its seasoning blends that contain gluten on the same production lines as its single-ingredient spices. The company assures that these lines are thoroughly cleaned between runs, but for some extremely sensitive individuals, this risk is too high. Reports from the celiac community indicate that some highly sensitive people have reacted negatively to McCormick's single-ingredient spices, leading them to suspect cross-contamination.
Importance of Third-Party Certification
For the highest degree of safety, especially for those with a medical condition like celiac disease, relying on a brand's internal policies may not be enough. Third-party gluten-free certification, such as from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), provides an extra layer of assurance. These certifications require rigorous testing of products and regular facility audits to ensure gluten levels remain below strict thresholds, often lower than the FDA standard. Some of McCormick's products carry this certification, but their pure, single-ingredient spices typically do not.
How to Ensure Your Oregano is Safe
For those on a strict gluten-free diet, here are steps to take when purchasing oregano:
- Read the Label: For any McCormick product, always read the ingredients list. For pure oregano, it should list only oregano leaves. If it's a blend, check for any declared wheat, barley, or rye ingredients.
- Look for Certification: The most reliable indicator for extreme sensitivity is a third-party certification logo on the packaging, like GFCO. If it's not present, proceed with caution.
- Consider Alternatives: If you are highly sensitive or have celiac disease, you may choose to use a different brand that explicitly carries a certified gluten-free label on all its products, such as Spicely Organics or Simply Organic.
- Grow Your Own: A foolproof method to avoid any potential cross-contamination is to grow fresh oregano at home.
Comparison: McCormick vs. Certified Gluten-Free Brands
| Feature | McCormick Oregano Leaves | Certified GF Oregano (e.g., Spicely Organics) |
|---|---|---|
| Inherent Gluten Status | Naturally gluten-free (pure product) | Naturally gluten-free (pure product) |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Potential risk due to shared manufacturing equipment | Minimal to no risk due to dedicated or strict, validated gluten-free processes |
| Certification | Generally not certified gluten-free; relies on internal policy | Independently tested and verified by a third party |
| Labeling | Lists gluten ingredients clearly in blends; pure products have no ingredient statement | Clearly displays a third-party gluten-free certification logo |
| Safety for Celiacs | Potentially unsafe for the most sensitive due to shared equipment | High level of safety for celiac disease and high sensitivity |
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Health
While McCormick's single-ingredient oregano leaves are made without gluten-containing ingredients, the potential for cross-contamination during manufacturing makes them a risk for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. For those with less severe sensitivity or for whom the risk is not a major concern, McCormick's pure oregano is likely fine. However, for complete assurance, especially if you have celiac disease, opting for a brand with a third-party gluten-free certification is the safest route. By carefully reading labels, understanding the difference between pure herbs and blends, and considering your own sensitivity level, you can make an informed choice for your dietary needs. For more information on safe spice practices, consult reliable sources like the Celiac Disease Foundation.
