Understanding Mission's 'Gluten Free' Product Claims
Mission Foods, a leading manufacturer of tortillas, offers a range of products marketed as gluten-free. For a product to be considered safely gluten-free for those with celiac disease, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, according to FDA guidelines. However, third-party certification bodies, like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), often set an even stricter standard of 10 ppm. Mission's commitment to gluten-free safety is evidenced by their distinct product lines and stringent allergen control programs.
The Mission Gluten-Free Product Line
Mission specifically labels several products with a 'Certified Gluten Free' claim. This includes certain varieties of their tortilla wraps and corn products. Their FAQ page confirms that Mission's gluten-free wraps are certified gluten-free, and their corn products (tortillas, chips, and tostadas) are also certified gluten-free. This certification is a strong indicator of product safety, as it means the products have been independently verified to meet strict standards for gluten content. Ingredients for these specific products include various gluten-free flours like rice and tapioca, along with starches and gums to achieve the texture of a traditional tortilla.
The All-Important Issue of Cross-Contamination
One of the most significant concerns for individuals with celiac disease is cross-contamination, which occurs when gluten-free products come into contact with gluten-containing ones during processing. To address this, Mission Foods states they have stringent allergen control programs in place. Their official FAQ explicitly confirms that corn product lines are dedicated solely to corn products and are separate from wheat flour production lines. For their certified gluten-free wraps, which use alternative flours, the certification process itself requires strict production and testing protocols to prevent cross-contact.
Comparison: Certified vs. Regular Mission Products
| Feature | Mission Certified Gluten Free Tortillas | Mission Regular Flour Tortillas |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Rice flour, tapioca starch, pea protein, corn starch, etc. | Wheat flour |
| Gluten Content | Certified to contain less than 10-20 ppm gluten (depends on standard) | Contains gluten |
| Production Line | Produced on dedicated, separate lines to prevent cross-contact | Produced on lines that handle wheat |
| Certification | Carries a third-party 'Certified Gluten Free' mark | No gluten-free certification |
| Ideal for | Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities | General consumption, not safe for gluten-free diets |
Potential for Confusion and Reading the Label
While Mission's certified gluten-free products are safe, consumers must be vigilant. The company also produces traditional wheat-based tortillas, which contain gluten. It is crucial to read the packaging carefully and look for the specific 'Certified Gluten Free' label. A hasty grab of the wrong package can lead to a serious dietary mistake for someone with gluten intolerance.
Factors to Consider Beyond Certification
- Ingredient Variations: Mission offers multiple gluten-free products, such as original, spinach herb, and chickpea wraps. Each has a different set of ingredients, so those with other allergies (e.g., soy) should check the label for specific allergens.
- Corn vs. Non-Corn: While Mission's corn products are certified gluten-free, some individuals might prefer the texture of the certified gluten-free flour-alternative wraps. It is important to know that while corn is naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination is still a concern in non-certified products.
- Storage at Home: Once a package is opened, it's critical to store gluten-free tortillas away from any gluten-containing items in the kitchen to avoid cross-contact at home.
Conclusion
Yes, Mission's certified gluten-free tortillas are genuinely gluten-free and safe for consumption by individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as confirmed by their third-party certification and dedicated production lines. The key is to purchase the specific packages that are explicitly marked as 'Certified Gluten Free.' Consumers must exercise caution to distinguish these from the company's regular, gluten-containing flour tortillas. By reading labels carefully and understanding the significance of certification, those on a gluten-free diet can enjoy Mission's certified products with confidence.
For more information on the standards of gluten-free certification, visit the Gluten-Free Certification Organization website.
