Understanding the Manufacturer's Stance on Gluten
Just Born, the maker of Mike and Ike's, has provided clarity regarding the gluten content of their candies. They state that many products, including Mike and Ike's and Hot Tamales, do not use gluten ingredients. The modified food starch present is derived from corn, not wheat, rye, or barley. While this indicates the ingredients are typically gluten-free, the manufacturing process introduces a potential issue for individuals with celiac disease.
Just Born includes a disclaimer that some products "may be manufactured and/or packaged in a facility that may also handle non gluten-free products". This shared facility environment presents a risk of cross-contamination, where gluten could inadvertently come into contact with gluten-free products. For someone with celiac disease, even a small amount of gluten can cause a severe reaction. This risk is the primary reason why Mike and Ike's may not be considered safe for strict celiacs, despite the gluten-free ingredients.
Ingredient Analysis
A typical ingredient list for Mike and Ike's Original Fruits includes items such as Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Food Starch, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, and coloring agents. Notably absent are common gluten sources like wheat, barley, or rye. The use of corn-based modified food starch is consistent with a gluten-free ingredient profile. However, the ingredient list alone cannot guarantee safety when cross-contamination is a possibility.
The Cross-Contamination Concern
Cross-contamination is a major concern for those managing celiac disease. It happens when gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten. Companies producing a variety of products, both gluten-containing and gluten-free, in the same facility face this challenge. While cleaning procedures can reduce risk, achieving a truly gluten-free environment without dedicated lines is difficult. The absence of an official 'certified gluten-free' label on Mike and Ike's packaging means there is no independent verification that cross-contamination is prevented to the standard required for celiac safety.
What a 'Certified Gluten-Free' Label Means
A 'certified gluten-free' label is granted by a third-party organization after a product has been tested and confirmed to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, the standard recognized as safe for celiacs by the FDA. This certification usually involves strict manufacturing protocols and testing. Since Mike and Ike's do not have this certification, coupled with the manufacturer's warning about shared facilities, they do not meet this verified safety standard for celiacs.
Comparing Mike and Ike's to Certified Options
To highlight the difference, consider how Mike and Ike's compare to candies that are certified gluten-free:
| Feature | Mike and Ike's (Original Fruits) | Certified Gluten-Free Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Contains Gluten Ingredients? | No | No |
| Risk of Shared Facility Contamination? | Yes | Generally Lower (often dedicated facilities) |
| Third-Party Certification? | No | Yes |
| Celiac Safety Status | Not recommended for strict celiacs | Generally considered safe for celiacs |
Making Safe Choices for Celiacs
Given the manufacturer's warning and the lack of certification, individuals with celiac disease should avoid Mike and Ike's to eliminate the risk of gluten exposure. It's also important to be aware of how products are handled by retailers or repackagers, as this can introduce further cross-contamination risks. Always check packaging for allergen warnings and look for the 'certified gluten-free' mark on other candy options. Resources from celiac organizations can provide lists of certified safe foods.
Conclusion: Navigating Candy Choices with Celiac Disease
In conclusion, while Mike and Ike's are made without gluten-containing ingredients, the manufacturer's disclosure of shared facilities and the absence of 'certified gluten-free' status mean they carry a risk of cross-contamination that is unacceptable for individuals with celiac disease. Prioritizing certified gluten-free products is the safest approach for managing celiac disease and avoiding accidental gluten exposure. For reliable information and resources on living gluten-free, organizations like Beyond Celiac are valuable.
