The Difference Between Regular and Certified Gluten-Free Oats
For individuals with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or allergies, understanding the true gluten-free status of any food product is essential. The misconception that all oats are safe arises from the fact that oats themselves are a naturally gluten-free grain. The problem, however, lies in how the oats are grown, harvested, transported, and processed. Cross-contamination is a significant and prevalent risk that can introduce gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye into the oat supply. This is precisely why Quaker’s standard oat flour, made from oats processed in facilities that also handle other grains, is not considered certified gluten-free and is unsafe for individuals who need to avoid gluten.
Why Quaker's Standard Oat Flour Isn't Safe
Standard Quaker oat flour is subject to the same cross-contamination risks as their conventional rolled oats. As confirmed by a Quaker Oats document, their oat flour is not certified gluten-free. This is because the milling process is not isolated from glutenous grains, leading to the potential introduction of gluten. For someone with celiac disease, consuming even small amounts of gluten can cause significant intestinal damage and other health problems. The ConsumerLab testing mentioned previously found alarmingly high levels of gluten in non-certified Quaker oats, underscoring the severity of this risk. The FDA's standard for a food to be labeled gluten-free is less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. The test results show that standard Quaker products can contain many times that amount.
How Quaker Produces Certified Gluten-Free Oats
Recognizing the demand for safe gluten-free products, Quaker has developed a specialized line of certified gluten-free oats under their 'Select Starts' label. To achieve this, they use a multi-step process to ensure a safe product for consumers with gluten sensitivities.
- Dedicated Cleaning House: A dedicated facility is used to process gluten-free oats, preventing cross-contamination.
- Mechanical and Optical Sorting: A breakthrough sorting system is employed to aggressively seek out and remove stray gluten-containing grains based on length, density, and color.
- Dedicated Equipment: Cutting and flaking equipment is dedicated solely to the gluten-free milling process.
- Ingredient Validation: All ingredients added during packaging are validated to be gluten-free.
- Tested to Meet Standards: Products are tested multiple times during the milling and packaging process to verify they meet the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Understanding Purity Protocol vs. Sorted Oats
For those with celiac disease, an important distinction exists between 'mechanically sorted' oats and 'purity protocol' oats. Purity protocol involves controlling the oats from the seed planted to the final package, ensuring they are never exposed to glutenous grains. Mechanically sorted oats, like Quaker's, are cleaned after harvest to remove contamination. While Quaker's process is designed to meet FDA standards, some organizations like Gluten Free Watchdog have historically favored the higher level of assurance provided by purity protocol oats.
Is Certified Gluten-Free Oat Flour Available?
Quaker does not specifically advertise a certified gluten-free oat flour. Their standard oat flour is not certified. If a consumer needs certified gluten-free oat flour, they will need to look for brands that explicitly state this on the packaging and, ideally, carry a third-party gluten-free certification mark. Alternatively, a consumer can make their own oat flour at home by purchasing certified gluten-free rolled oats and grinding them in a dedicated food processor or high-speed blender.
How to Make Your Own Certified Gluten-Free Oat Flour
For full control and assurance, making oat flour at home is a simple and reliable option. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Start with Certified Oats: Purchase certified gluten-free rolled oats from a trusted brand. Ensure the packaging has a gluten-free certification logo.
- Use Clean Equipment: Use a food processor or high-speed blender that has not been used with any gluten-containing products. If cross-contamination is a concern, dedicate a new machine to this purpose.
- Blend Until Fine: Add the certified oats to the clean machine and blend on high speed until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency.
- Store Properly: Transfer the freshly made oat flour to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Quaker Oat Products Comparison
| Feature | Quaker Standard Oat Flour | Quaker Select Starts (GF Oats) | Other Certified GF Oat Flour Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification | No | Yes | Yes (dependent on brand) |
| Processing | Shared facilities with high cross-contamination risk | Processed in dedicated GF cleaning house with proprietary sorting methods | Dependent on brand, but often includes 'Purity Protocol' or robust sorting |
| Safe for Celiacs? | No | Yes, for those who tolerate GF oats | Yes, for those who tolerate GF oats |
| Availability | Widely available | Select retailers, often larger grocery stores or online | Varies by brand (e.g., Bob's Red Mill, Anthony's) |
| Cost | Generally lower | Higher, reflecting the specialized processing required | Varies, but often comparable to Quaker's GF line |
Conclusion: Your Safest Option
While oats are naturally gluten-free, the potential for cross-contamination in processing is a major issue. Therefore, Quaker's standard oat flour should be considered unsafe for anyone on a strict gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease. For safe consumption, look for Quaker's explicitly labeled gluten-free oats under their Select Starts line or choose a third-party certified gluten-free oat flour brand. If you prefer, making your own oat flour from certified gluten-free rolled oats at home is a simple and effective way to ensure no cross-contamination has occurred.
For more detailed information on certified gluten-free products and recalls, refer to resources like the Gluten-Free Watchdog.
