The Manufacturer's Official Stance
El Mexicano, a brand owned by Marquez Brothers International, has addressed the gluten-free status of its products directly on its website. Acknowledging the needs of customers with dietary restrictions, the company offers a range of certified gluten-free items. This certification covers the majority of their popular dairy and sausage offerings, providing clarity for many seeking safe Mexican food options. However, the blanket statement does not apply to every item the company may distribute, emphasizing the need for consumers to always exercise due diligence by checking the specific product's packaging.
Certified Gluten-Free El Mexicano Products
Many of El Mexicano's core products are formally certified as gluten-free, giving consumers confidence in their authenticity and safety.
Common certified products include:
- Cheeses: Items like Queso Fresco Casero are often specifically labeled and certified gluten-free, guaranteeing they are safe for those on a strict diet. This includes their range of panela, cotija, and Oaxaca cheeses as well.
- Creams and Yogurts: The popular Crema Mexicana and various drinkable yogurts also carry gluten-free certification. These are made with cultured grade A milk and natural ingredients, without gluten additives.
- Sausages (Chorizo): Both the pork and beef chorizo varieties have been confirmed by the company to be gluten-free. For example, the ingredients for El Mexicano's pork chorizo do not list any gluten-containing grains.
Products Requiring Careful Inspection
Not all products associated with the broader category of 'Mexican food' are guaranteed gluten-free, and it is here that consumer vigilance is most important. For example, while El Mexicano offers many safe products, Marquez Brothers International also distributes other foods, and individual items must be checked.
Items to check carefully include:
- Tortillas: El Mexicano offers both corn and flour tortillas. Flour tortillas, by definition, contain wheat and are not gluten-free. While their corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination is a possibility if they are processed in the same facility as wheat products. Always check the packaging for a specific gluten-free claim or certification.
- Sauces and Seasonings: While many salsas are naturally gluten-free, others can use flour as a thickener or contain hidden gluten sources like soy sauce. It is crucial to read the ingredient list for any sauces or seasoning packets they might distribute.
Decoding Gluten-Free Labels
Understanding food labeling is critical for safely navigating a gluten-free diet. The FDA defines a product as gluten-free if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, many sensitive individuals prefer a higher standard, which is why third-party certification is so valuable. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) certifies products to a stricter 10 ppm standard, and their logo offers a trustworthy indicator.
When checking an El Mexicano product, look for:
- A clear "Gluten-Free" statement on the front of the package.
- The official GFCO logo, which guarantees rigorous testing.
- The absence of gluten-containing ingredients (wheat, barley, rye, etc.) in the ingredient list.
- "May contain" or shared equipment warnings that might pose a cross-contamination risk.
El Mexicano Gluten-Free Product Comparison
| Product Type | Likely Gluten-Free Status | Certification | Checking Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheeses (e.g., Queso Fresco) | Certified Gluten-Free | Yes, often GFCO certified | Minimal | Officially confirmed on the website. |
| Creams (e.g., Crema Mexicana) | Certified Gluten-Free | Yes, often GFCO certified | Minimal | Officially confirmed on the website. |
| Yogurts | Certified Gluten-Free | Yes, often GFCO certified | Minimal | Officially confirmed on the website. |
| Sausages (Chorizo) | Certified Gluten-Free | Yes, confirmed by company | Minimal | Officially confirmed on the website and by retailers like Kroger. |
| Corn Tortillas | Naturally Gluten-Free | Varies; check for GF logo | High | Important to check for shared equipment warnings due to cross-contamination risk. |
| Flour Tortillas | Contains Gluten | No | Not Suitable | Contains wheat flour by definition. |
Conclusion
In summary, many of El Mexicano's core products, such as their cheeses, creams, yogurts, and sausages, are certified gluten-free, providing safe options for many consumers. However, products like flour tortillas contain gluten and must be avoided. It is essential for consumers, especially those with celiac disease, to not make assumptions based on the brand alone. The final word on any product's gluten-free status rests with the label on that specific package, where official certifications like the GFCO mark provide the highest level of assurance. For more information on understanding labels and certifications, visit the Gluten-Free Certification Organization website.
