Does Bob's Red Mill Cornmeal Have Gluten? The Complete Guide for Safe Eating

In the United States, foods can be labeled as “gluten-free” if they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a standard followed by many companies, including Bob's Red Mill. For individuals navigating a gluten-free diet, this standard raises a vital question: Does Bob's Red Mill cornmeal have gluten? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on which specific product you purchase.

Quick Summary

Bob's Red Mill offers both conventional cornmeal, which carries a risk of gluten cross-contact due to shared processing facilities, and a certified gluten-free version. The gluten-free cornmeal is milled in a dedicated facility, tested rigorously to confirm its safety, and is clearly labeled with a red 'GF' logo for consumer confidence.

Key Points

• Two Cornmeal Lines: Bob's Red Mill offers both conventional cornmeal (risk of gluten cross-contact) and a certified gluten-free version.

• Check for the Label: To ensure safety, always purchase the cornmeal product with the red "GF" logo on the packaging.

• Dedicated Facilities: The certified gluten-free cornmeal is processed and packaged in a separate, dedicated facility, free from gluten contamination.

• Rigorous Testing: Certified gluten-free products are batch-tested using an ELISA assay to meet FDA standards of less than 20 ppm of gluten.

• Read All Labels: Individuals with celiac disease must read the label on every product, as naturally gluten-free ingredients can be contaminated during processing.

• Risk in Conventional Product: The standard, non-labeled Bob's Red Mill cornmeal is processed on shared equipment and is not recommended for a strict gluten-free diet.

Understanding Bob's Red Mill Cornmeal Options

While corn is a naturally gluten-free grain, the way a product is processed and packaged is crucial for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Bob's Red Mill manufactures different lines of products, and their cornmeal falls into two distinct categories: conventional and certified gluten-free. Understanding the difference between these is the key to ensuring your diet remains safe and uncontaminated.

Conventional Cornmeal: A Risk for Cross-Contamination

Bob's Red Mill conventional cornmeal is made from whole-grain corn but is processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. The company explicitly states that because of this shared equipment, cross-contact with gluten is a possibility. The conventional product is not labeled with a gluten-free symbol and is not tested for gluten levels. For those with celiac disease, who can have severe reactions to even trace amounts of gluten, conventional cornmeal from a shared facility should be avoided. Even for those with a mild sensitivity, this product poses an unnecessary risk.

Certified Gluten-Free Cornmeal: The Safe Option

For consumers who need a guaranteed gluten-free product, Bob's Red Mill offers a separate cornmeal that is certified gluten-free. The company operates a dedicated, 58,200-square-foot gluten-free facility where these products are processed and packaged. This facility is never exposed to non-gluten-free ingredients, completely eliminating the risk of cross-contamination from milling and packaging. Products from this facility are rigorously tested in their quality control laboratory using an ELISA Gluten Assay test to ensure they meet the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten. For absolute clarity, products from this line bear a red "GF" logo on the packaging.

A Comparison of Bob's Red Mill Cornmeal Products

To make the difference perfectly clear, the following table outlines the key features of the two cornmeal options from Bob's Red Mill.

Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Cornmeal	Conventional Cornmeal
Processing Facility	Dedicated, 100% gluten-free facility	Shared facility with wheat, rye, and barley
Gluten Testing	Yes; batch-tested using ELISA Gluten Assay	No; not tested for gluten
Cross-Contamination Risk	Extremely low risk; processed on dedicated equipment	High risk; shared equipment is used
Packaging Labeling	Clearly marked with a red "GF" logo	No gluten-free claims or symbols
Safety for Celiacs	Recommended as a safe option	Not recommended; avoid due to risk

What to Look for on Bob's Red Mill Packaging

Making the right choice at the grocery store requires careful attention to the product label. When selecting a Bob's Red Mill cornmeal, specifically seek out one of these two key indicators of safety for a gluten-free diet:

• The Red "GF" Logo: This is Bob's Red Mill's own symbol, confirming the product was handled in their dedicated gluten-free facility and tested to be under 20 ppm of gluten.
• The GFCO Logo: Some Bob's Red Mill products are also certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), an independent third-party certifier. This logo provides additional assurance of safety.

The Importance of Reading All Labels

This principle extends beyond Bob's Red Mill products. For anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it is essential to read the label of every single product. Never assume a product is safe simply because the primary ingredient (like corn) is naturally gluten-free. Always check for certified gluten-free labeling to prevent potential contamination.

Practical Steps to Ensure Your Cornmeal Is Gluten-Free

1. Always Check the Label: Before purchasing, confirm the presence of the certified gluten-free symbol on the bag, specifically the red "GF" logo or the GFCO certification mark.
2. Avoid Assumptions: Do not buy the conventional cornmeal and assume it is safe, even if you are not highly sensitive. Cross-contamination is a real and documented risk.
3. Cross-Contamination in Your Own Kitchen: If you live in a mixed household where both gluten-containing and gluten-free foods are prepared, be diligent to avoid cross-contact. This includes having separate cutting boards, toasters, and utensils.
4. Store Products Separately: Keep your certified gluten-free cornmeal and other gluten-free ingredients in separate, airtight containers away from any gluten-containing flours to prevent airborne contamination.
5. Clean All Surfaces: Thoroughly wash all countertops, mixing bowls, and kitchen equipment after preparing any gluten-containing foods to remove residue.

Conclusion: The Definitive Answer

So, does Bob's Red Mill cornmeal have gluten? The definitive answer is that while their conventional cornmeal carries a significant risk of gluten cross-contamination, their certified gluten-free cornmeal is safe for individuals on a gluten-free diet. The critical takeaway is to always look for the red "GF" logo on the packaging. By understanding the distinction between their product lines and exercising caution, you can safely enjoy delicious, whole-grain cornmeal in your gluten-free cooking and baking. For more information on their gluten-free commitment, visit their website Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bob's Red Mill cornmeal naturally gluten-free?

Corn is naturally a gluten-free grain. However, whether a finished product is safe for a gluten-free diet depends on the manufacturing process. Bob's Red Mill offers both conventional and certified gluten-free cornmeal to account for potential cross-contamination.

Why is the non-labeled Bob's Red Mill cornmeal not safe for a gluten-free diet?

The non-labeled, conventional cornmeal is milled and packaged in a shared facility that also processes gluten-containing grains like wheat and rye. This presents a high risk of cross-contamination, making it unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

How can I tell if a Bob's Red Mill cornmeal product is gluten-free?

To ensure you are buying a safe product, look for the official red "GF" logo on the packaging. Some products may also carry a GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) logo.

What is the difference between Bob's Red Mill's two facilities?

Bob's Red Mill has separate facilities for their product lines. Products with the red "GF" logo are handled exclusively in a dedicated, 100% gluten-free facility to prevent cross-contamination. Their conventional products are made in a separate facility that processes grains containing gluten.

How does Bob's Red Mill test its gluten-free products?

The company tests every batch of certified gluten-free products in their quality control laboratory using an ELISA Gluten Assay test. This rigorous testing ensures that the gluten content is below the FDA's limit of 20 parts per million (ppm).

Is all cornmeal produced by any company safe for a gluten-free diet?

No. Like Bob's Red Mill, many companies process both gluten and gluten-free products in the same facilities. It is crucial to always read the packaging and look for a certified gluten-free label from any manufacturer to guarantee safety.

Are Bob's Red Mill's gluten-free cornmeal and conventional cornmeal made from the same ingredients?

Both products are made from whole-grain corn. The difference lies solely in the processing and packaging facilities. The certified gluten-free version is handled separately to prevent any cross-contact with gluten.