The Official Simple Mills Statement
Simple Mills maintains a clear and unambiguous stance on its gluten-free status: all products are naturally 100% gluten-free. The company outlines its robust procedures in its official FAQ section, emphasizing a commitment that goes "above and beyond the industry standards" to confirm product safety. This commitment is crucial for a brand that caters specifically to consumers with dietary restrictions, such as gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and those following paleo or grain-free diets.
Simple Mills' Commitment to Allergen Safety
To ensure their gluten-free claims are upheld, Simple Mills partners with manufacturers who employ strict allergen management protocols. These include thoroughly cleaning manufacturing lines between production runs, and using validated cleaning regimens that meet or exceed industry standards. However, it's important for consumers to understand that while these measures are taken, some product lines are manufactured on shared equipment or in facilities that also process common allergens, including wheat.
- Regular Testing: Simple Mills conducts extensive finished-product gluten testing through third-party, AOAC International certified labs.
- Ingredient Sourcing: The brand focuses on naturally gluten-free ingredients like almond flour, seed flour, and various starches, ensuring their products start with a clean slate.
- Transparent Labeling: Simple Mills aims for transparency by labeling products with the GFCO Certified Gluten-Free mark and listing any allergens processed on the same line where applicable.
Consumer Reports and Recent Concerns
While Simple Mills' official position is firm, some recent consumer-led reports have created confusion and concern within the gluten-free community. In a June 2024 report, a study by Moms Across America (MAA) alleged that certain Simple Mills products, including the Brownie Mix and Almond Flour Crackers, contained gluten levels exceeding the FDA's 20 ppm limit. This was particularly alarming because the products carried a GFCO certification, which requires a stricter limit of 10 ppm or less.
The Gluten Intolerance Group (GFCO) Investigation
In response to the MAA report, the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), which runs the GFCO certification program, conducted its own investigation. This involved:
- A thorough evaluation of Simple Mills' compliance records.
- Retesting retained product samples from the specific lots mentioned in the report.
- Using multiple tests to account for potential "hot spots" of contamination.
GIG's subsequent announcement confirmed that, based on their re-testing by ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, the Simple Mills products in question did, in fact, meet GFCO certification standards (10 ppm or less). This suggests that the initial MAA test results might have been anomalous or subject to methodological error. The GIG concluded that it had re-confirmed the gluten-free status of the products.
Understanding Certification vs. Cross-Contamination Warnings
This situation highlights a crucial distinction for gluten-sensitive and celiac consumers. A Certified Gluten-Free label, like GFCO, signifies that a product is rigorously tested and verified to contain less than the allowable gluten threshold (typically <10 or <20 ppm, depending on the standard). However, some products, especially cookies and bars, may also carry a separate advisory warning like "Made on a line that also processes... wheat".
This advisory is a manufacturer's disclosure and does not invalidate the gluten-free certification. It indicates that while strict cleaning procedures are used, the risk of cross-contact cannot be entirely eliminated. For many, a Certified Gluten-Free product with a cross-contamination warning is acceptable, as the final product still meets certified standards. However, for those with extremely high sensitivity to trace gluten, this advisory may be a deciding factor.
Comparison of Simple Mills' Official Claims and Consumer Reports
| Aspect | Simple Mills' Official Position | Moms Across America (MAA) Report | Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten Status | 100% naturally gluten-free; extensively tested | Claims specific products (Brownie Mix, Crackers) tested above 20 ppm | Confirmed product retests met GFCO standard (<=10 ppm) |
| Testing | Third-party, AOAC certified lab testing | Used HRI Labs with Romer Agrastrip test | Used ISO 17025 accredited laboratories |
| Cross-Contamination | Validated allergen cleaning procedures used | Raised alarm over potential for cross-contamination | Reaffirmed confidence in manufacturer's allergen management system |
| Certification | GFCO certified | Cited GFCO certification as part of misleading claim | Confirmed compliance with GFCO standards after investigation |
How to Make an Informed Choice
For those managing celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, making an informed choice about Simple Mills products involves several steps:
- Read the Packaging Carefully: Always check for the Certified Gluten-Free logo from GFCO or another reputable certification body. This is your primary indicator of a product's gluten status.
- Look for Advisory Statements: Be aware of any advisory statements regarding shared equipment or facilities. While a product can be certified gluten-free and have such a warning, those with high sensitivity may want to avoid it.
- Monitor Official Statements: Keep an eye on updates from trusted organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and Gluten-Free Watchdog (GFWD) for reports on product safety.
- Consider Your Sensitivity: Recognize that individual tolerances can vary. Some highly sensitive individuals may react even to products that test below the 10 ppm threshold. Know your personal health needs.
Final Verdict: Are Simple Mills Products Truly Gluten-Free?
Based on official company statements and the verification from the Gluten Intolerance Group, Simple Mills products are certified gluten-free and can be safely consumed by most individuals avoiding gluten. The company employs rigorous testing and manufacturing protocols to ensure its products meet certification standards. The conflicting results from a single consumer report were not replicated by follow-up testing from the GFCO. However, individuals with extreme gluten sensitivity should be aware of specific cross-contamination advisories on some products and choose accordingly. The vast majority of consumers can trust Simple Mills' commitment to providing safe, gluten-free options.
Gluten Intolerance Group's Response to Consumer Report
A List of Simple Mills Products and Their Gluten Status
Here is a quick overview of various Simple Mills product lines and their gluten-free status, as all products are certified:
- Almond Flour Crackers: Includes varieties like Fine Ground Sea Salt, Farmhouse Cheddar, and Rosemary & Sea Salt. All are certified gluten-free.
- Organic Seed Flour Crackers: Features flavors like Original and Everything. Certified gluten-free and vegan.
- Sweet Thins: Honey Cinnamon and Chocolate Brownie options are certified gluten-free and grain-free.
- Baking Mixes: The entire line, including Brownie Mix, Pancake & Waffle Mix, and Vanilla Cupcake Mix, is certified gluten-free.
- Soft Baked Cookies & Bars: All cookie and bar varieties are certified gluten-free.
- Veggie Pita Crackers: Certified gluten-free and grain-free options available.
- Nut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Both Creamy Peanut Butter and Cocoa & Cashew Butter flavors are certified gluten-free.
- Pop Mmms Baked Crackers: Cheddar flavored crackers are certified gluten-free and grain-free.
