The typical American lifestyle does not always allow for ample time to eat mindfully, as people are constantly on the go. Busy lifestyles often lead to poor food choices, which can cause difficulty for those following a gluten-free lifestyle. Katie McKenna will help bring her audience back to a more focused way of eating. During the presentation she will address diverse topics such as the importance of eating only when truly hungry, eating in a calm environment, and learning to enjoy food as one of life’s greatest pleasures. The presentation will describe how to listen to and interpret messages that come from both mind and body upon eating a meal. She will tie the lecture together by teaching how to assess the mental, emotional, and physical states experienced with eating.

Come join Katie McKenna as she brings us all back to a peaceful state of mind not only during mealtimes, but also throughout our everyday lives. Learn more about GIG’s Health and Wellness Experience and register now at www.experience.gluten.net.

Understanding the true medical definition and differentiation of these commonly interchanged terms – allergy, intolerance and sensitivity – can make a significant difference for those suffering from digestive disturbances. The lecture will define each of these terms in-depth and provide answers for those who are experiencing confusion about their own digestive situation.  More information on the event and registration details can be found at www.experience.gluten.net

Find a complete list of participating restaurants at: http://www.gluten.net/programs/Chef-to-plate-state-listing.pdf

GFCO certification requires ongoing testing and random product testing from point of purchase as part of the certification process.
Eco Planet made GFCO aware of testing by GFWD in both situations. GFCO worked closely with Eco Planet in these situations to do further investigation. GFCO and Eco Planet took the following actions:
1. Product testing – All testing is done using the R-Biopharm r-5 Elisa Sandwich. This is the same testing method used by GFWD. Labs are instructed to use the testing procedures as provided in the kit insert, without modifications.

a.  2011 – Retained samples by the manufacturer (the same lots tested by GFWD) were sent to two labs for testing. Each sample was tested twice, as outlined in the GFWD.

- Testing results by FARRP (6/16/2011): BLQ (below level of quantification) using the R-Biopharm kit, and BLQ using the Neogen gluten kit.

- Seven tests by Neogen (6/16/2011): showed No Detectable Amount.

b. 2012 – GFCO purchased product (06/12 Lot 13) from local retailers and has sent this to the lab for testing. Quantitative lab results are pending.

c. Eco Planet (produced in a dedicated GF plant) provided the following product samples for testing (produced after additional changes to processing were implemented). The samples were sent to two labs, including the lab used by GFWD.

- 4/11/2012 Bia Diagnostics: two samples with results of < 5 ppm gluten

- 4/11/2012 FARRP testing: two samples. One sample tested at 9-ppm gluten and the second at Below Levels of Quantification

2. Since GFWD’s initial testing of products in 2011, processes and procedures have been enhanced in the production Eco Planet products. The product that GFWD tested in April 2012 was produced before the new procedures were put into place. All testing by the Company since the new processes were implemented continue to show results below 10 ppm, the GFCO standards.

3. GFCO has purchased product (07/13 Lot 02) today (4/20) that was produced after the changes were implemented. This product is being sent to two labs for testing using the same process listed above.
GFCO and Eco Planet cannot explain why GFWD testing results are not replicated by other labs, using the same testing method and the same lot samples. In a scientific panel discussion of the testing results by GFWD, GFCO, FARRP and Neogen in 2011, the conclusion of the laboratory scientists is that GFWD hit a hot spot. They further concluded that based on the testing records provided by the company, a review of operational procedures, and additional testing performed by other labs, that the problem identified by GFWD was not representative of the product as a whole. Eco Planet however reviewed their internal processes and added additional procedures to assure consumers safety.

In a white paper by GFCO, the following example is used to describe hot spots. Have you ever played in the sand at the beach? You shove your hand deep into the sand, grabbing a handful and pulling it out to see what is in it. Sometimes you find something, but most times, you do not. That is what testing food is like…Companies might take product from the beginning, middle and end of a 5000-pound run for testing. Sometimes these samples are blended together to make a composite sample before testing. Composite samples are a representative sample of the entire production lot. Testing is a measurement of a single point in time… it is a snap shot of a larger picture.

There are a number of factors that may influence testing results – contamination of the sample in preparation for testing, performing the test with different extraction methods than endorsed by the kit manufacturer, lab technician error, chemical reactive interference with the testing procedure, etc. The safety of products must be based on multiple testing to get an accurate picture of a product. When a test result comes back out of range for GFCO certified products, GFCO requests the lab to run the test again and sends additional samples to other labs. GFCO contacs the Company to review their on-site testing records and to establish a correcive action plan. Corrective action plans may include increased testing, additional audits, product holds or requests for recalls and consumer notifications. In this situation, GFCO testing and company records support the product safety.

GFCO is dedicated to consumer protection.  We are confident in the extra steps used by Eco Planet to ensure the safety of their products.

Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director

Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director

Gluten Intolerance Group

GFCO certification requires ongoing testing and random
product testing from point of purchase as part of the certification process.
Eco Planet made GFCO aware of testing by GFWD in both situations. GFCO worked
closely with Eco Planet in these situations to do further investigation. GFCO
and Eco Planet took the following actions:

Product testing – All testing is done using the R-Biopharm
r-5 Elisa Sandwich. This is the same testing method used by GFWD. Labs are
instructed to use the testing procedures as provided in the kit insert, without
modifications.

2011 – Retained samples by the manufacturer (the same lots
tested by GFWD) were sent to two labs for testing. Each sample was tested
twice, as outlined in the GFWD.

- Testing results by FARRP (6/16/2011): BLQ (below
level of quantification) using the R-Biopharm kit, and BLQ using the Neogen
gluten kit.

- Seven tests by Neogen (6/16/2011): showed No Detectable
Amount.

2012 – GFCO purchased product (06/12 Lot 13) from local
retailers and has sent this to the lab for testing. Quantitative lab results
are pending.

Eco Planet (produced in a dedicated GF plant) provided the
following product samples for testing (produced after additional changes to
processing were implemented). The samples were sent to two labs, including the
lab used by GFWD.

- 4/11/2012 Bia Diagnostics: two samples with results of
< 5 ppm gluten

- 4/11/2012 FARRP testing: two samples. One sample tested at
9-ppm gluten and the second at Below Levels of Quantification

Since GFWD’s initial testing of products in 2011, processes
and procedures have been enhanced in the production Eco Planet products. The
product that GFWD tested in April 2012 was produced before the new procedures
were put into place. All testing by the Company since the new processes were
implemented continue to show results below 10 ppm, the GFCO standards.

GFCO has purchased product (07/13 Lot 02) today (4/20) that
was produced after the changes were implemented. This product is being sent to
two labs for testing using the same process listed above.

GFCO and Eco Planet cannot explain why GFWD testing results
are not replicated by other labs, using the same testing method and the same
lot samples. In a scientific panel discussion of the testing results by GFWD,
GFCO, FARRP and Neogen in 2011, the conclusion of the laboratory scientists is
that GFWD hit a hot spot. They further concluded that based on the testing
records provided by the company, a review of operational procedures, and
additional testing performed by other labs, that the problem identified by GFWD
was not representative of the product as a whole. Eco Planet however reviewed
their internal processes and added additional procedures to assure consumers
safety.

In a white paper by GFCO, the following example is used to
describe hot spots.

Have you ever played in the sand at the beach? You shove
your hand deep into the sand, grabbing a handful and pulling it out to see what
is in it. Sometimes you find something, but most times, you do not. That is
what testing food is like…Companies might take product from the beginning,
middle and end of a 5000-pound run for testing. Sometimes these samples are
blended together to make a composite sample before testing. Composite samples
are a representative sample of the entire production lot. Testing is a
measurement of a single point in time… it is a snap shot of a larger picture.

There are a number of factors that may influence testing
results – contamination of the sample in preparation for testing, performing
the test with different extraction methods than endorsed by the kit
manufacturer, lab technician error, chemical reactive interference with the
testing procedure, etc. The safety of products must be based on multiple
testing to get an accurate picture of a product. When a test result comes back
out of range for GFCO certified products, GFCO requests the lab to run the test
again and sends additional samples to other labs. GFCO contacts the Company to
review their on-site testing records and to establish a corrective action plan.
Corrective action plans may include increased testing, additional audits,
product holds or requests for recalls and consumer notifications. In this
situation, GFCO testing and company records support the product safety.

GFCO is dedicated to consumer protection.  We are
confident in the extra steps used by Eco Planet to ensure the safety of their
products.

Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director

Gluten Intolerance Group

GFCO certification requires ongoing testing and random
product testing from point of purchase as part of the certification process.
Eco Planet made GFCO aware of testing by GFWD in both situations. GFCO worked
closely with Eco Planet in these situations to do further investigation. GFCO
and Eco Planet took the following actions:

Product testing – All testing is done using the R-Biopharm
r-5 Elisa Sandwich. This is the same testing method used by GFWD. Labs are
instructed to use the testing procedures as provided in the kit insert, without
modifications.

2011 – Retained samples by the manufacturer (the same lots
tested by GFWD) were sent to two labs for testing. Each sample was tested
twice, as outlined in the GFWD.

- Testing results by FARRP (6/16/2011): BLQ (below
level of quantification) using the R-Biopharm kit, and BLQ using the Neogen
gluten kit.

- Seven tests by Neogen (6/16/2011): showed No Detectable
Amount.

2012 – GFCO purchased product (06/12 Lot 13) from local
retailers and has sent this to the lab for testing. Quantitative lab results
are pending.

Eco Planet (produced in a dedicated GF plant) provided the
following product samples for testing (produced after additional changes to
processing were implemented). The samples were sent to two labs, including the
lab used by GFWD.

- 4/11/2012 Bia Diagnostics: two samples with results of
< 5 ppm gluten

- 4/11/2012 FARRP testing: two samples. One sample tested at
9-ppm gluten and the second at Below Levels of Quantification

Since GFWD’s initial testing of products in 2011, processes
and procedures have been enhanced in the production Eco Planet products. The
product that GFWD tested in April 2012 was produced before the new procedures
were put into place. All testing by the Company since the new processes were
implemented continue to show results below 10 ppm, the GFCO standards.

GFCO has purchased product (07/13 Lot 02) today (4/20) that
was produced after the changes were implemented. This product is being sent to
two labs for testing using the same process listed above.

GFCO and Eco Planet cannot explain why GFWD testing results
are not replicated by other labs, using the same testing method and the same
lot samples. In a scientific panel discussion of the testing results by GFWD,
GFCO, FARRP and Neogen in 2011, the conclusion of the laboratory scientists is
that GFWD hit a hot spot. They further concluded that based on the testing
records provided by the company, a review of operational procedures, and
additional testing performed by other labs, that the problem identified by GFWD
was not representative of the product as a whole. Eco Planet however reviewed
their internal processes and added additional procedures to assure consumers
safety.

In a white paper by GFCO, the following example is used to
describe hot spots.

Have you ever played in the sand at the beach? You shove
your hand deep into the sand, grabbing a handful and pulling it out to see what
is in it. Sometimes you find something, but most times, you do not. That is
what testing food is like…Companies might take product from the beginning,
middle and end of a 5000-pound run for testing. Sometimes these samples are
blended together to make a composite sample before testing. Composite samples
are a representative sample of the entire production lot. Testing is a
measurement of a single point in time… it is a snap shot of a larger picture.

There are a number of factors that may influence testing
results – contamination of the sample in preparation for testing, performing
the test with different extraction methods than endorsed by the kit
manufacturer, lab technician error, chemical reactive interference with the
testing procedure, etc. The safety of products must be based on multiple
testing to get an accurate picture of a product. When a test result comes back
out of range for GFCO certified products, GFCO requests the lab to run the test
again and sends additional samples to other labs. GFCO contacts the Company to
review their on-site testing records and to establish a corrective action plan.
Corrective action plans may include increased testing, additional audits,
product holds or requests for recalls and consumer notifications. In this
situation, GFCO testing and company records support the product safety.

GFCO is dedicated to consumer protection.  We are
confident in the extra steps used by Eco Planet to ensure the safety of their
products.

Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director

Gluten Intolerance Group

GFCO certification requires ongoing testing and random
product testing from point of purchase as part of the certification process.
Eco Planet made GFCO aware of testing by GFWD in both situations. GFCO worked
closely with Eco Planet in these situations to do further investigation. GFCO
and Eco Planet took the following actions:

Product testing – All testing is done using the R-Biopharm
r-5 Elisa Sandwich. This is the same testing method used by GFWD. Labs are
instructed to use the testing procedures as provided in the kit insert, without
modifications.

2011 – Retained samples by the manufacturer (the same lots
tested by GFWD) were sent to two labs for testing. Each sample was tested
twice, as outlined in the GFWD.

- Testing results by FARRP (6/16/2011): BLQ (below
level of quantification) using the R-Biopharm kit, and BLQ using the Neogen
gluten kit.

- Seven tests by Neogen (6/16/2011): showed No Detectable
Amount.

2012 – GFCO purchased product (06/12 Lot 13) from local
retailers and has sent this to the lab for testing. Quantitative lab results
are pending.

Eco Planet (produced in a dedicated GF plant) provided the
following product samples for testing (produced after additional changes to
processing were implemented). The samples were sent to two labs, including the
lab used by GFWD.

- 4/11/2012 Bia Diagnostics: two samples with results of
< 5 ppm gluten

- 4/11/2012 FARRP testing: two samples. One sample tested at
9-ppm gluten and the second at Below Levels of Quantification

Since GFWD’s initial testing of products in 2011, processes
and procedures have been enhanced in the production Eco Planet products. The
product that GFWD tested in April 2012 was produced before the new procedures
were put into place. All testing by the Company since the new processes were
implemented continue to show results below 10 ppm, the GFCO standards.

GFCO has purchased product (07/13 Lot 02) today (4/20) that
was produced after the changes were implemented. This product is being sent to
two labs for testing using the same process listed above.

GFCO and Eco Planet cannot explain why GFWD testing results
are not replicated by other labs, using the same testing method and the same
lot samples. In a scientific panel discussion of the testing results by GFWD,
GFCO, FARRP and Neogen in 2011, the conclusion of the laboratory scientists is
that GFWD hit a hot spot. They further concluded that based on the testing
records provided by the company, a review of operational procedures, and
additional testing performed by other labs, that the problem identified by GFWD
was not representative of the product as a whole. Eco Planet however reviewed
their internal processes and added additional procedures to assure consumers
safety.

In a white paper by GFCO, the following example is used to
describe hot spots.

Have you ever played in the sand at the beach? You shove
your hand deep into the sand, grabbing a handful and pulling it out to see what
is in it. Sometimes you find something, but most times, you do not. That is
what testing food is like…Companies might take product from the beginning,
middle and end of a 5000-pound run for testing. Sometimes these samples are
blended together to make a composite sample before testing. Composite samples
are a representative sample of the entire production lot. Testing is a
measurement of a single point in time… it is a snap shot of a larger picture.

There are a number of factors that may influence testing
results – contamination of the sample in preparation for testing, performing
the test with different extraction methods than endorsed by the kit
manufacturer, lab technician error, chemical reactive interference with the
testing procedure, etc. The safety of products must be based on multiple
testing to get an accurate picture of a product. When a test result comes back
out of range for GFCO certified products, GFCO requests the lab to run the test
again and sends additional samples to other labs. GFCO contacts the Company to
review their on-site testing records and to establish a corrective action plan.
Corrective action plans may include increased testing, additional audits,
product holds or requests for recalls and consumer notifications. In this
situation, GFCO testing and company records support the product safety.

GFCO is dedicated to consumer protection.  We are
confident in the extra steps used by Eco Planet to ensure the safety of their
products.

Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director

Gluten Intolerance Group

GFCO certification requires ongoing testing and random
product testing from point of purchase as part of the certification process.
Eco Planet made GFCO aware of testing by GFWD in both situations. GFCO worked
closely with Eco Planet in these situations to do further investigation. GFCO
and Eco Planet took the following actions:

Product testing – All testing is done using the R-Biopharm
r-5 Elisa Sandwich. This is the same testing method used by GFWD. Labs are
instructed to use the testing procedures as provided in the kit insert, without
modifications.

2011 – Retained samples by the manufacturer (the same lots
tested by GFWD) were sent to two labs for testing. Each sample was tested
twice, as outlined in the GFWD.

- Testing results by FARRP (6/16/2011): BLQ (below
level of quantification) using the R-Biopharm kit, and BLQ using the Neogen
gluten kit.

- Seven tests by Neogen (6/16/2011): showed No Detectable
Amount.

2012 – GFCO purchased product (06/12 Lot 13) from local
retailers and has sent this to the lab for testing. Quantitative lab results
are pending.

Eco Planet (produced in a dedicated GF plant) provided the
following product samples for testing (produced after additional changes to
processing were implemented). The samples were sent to two labs, including the
lab used by GFWD.

- 4/11/2012 Bia Diagnostics: two samples with results of
< 5 ppm gluten

- 4/11/2012 FARRP testing: two samples. One sample tested at
9-ppm gluten and the second at Below Levels of Quantification

Since GFWD’s initial testing of products in 2011, processes
and procedures have been enhanced in the production Eco Planet products. The
product that GFWD tested in April 2012 was produced before the new procedures
were put into place. All testing by the Company since the new processes were
implemented continue to show results below 10 ppm, the GFCO standards.

GFCO has purchased product (07/13 Lot 02) today (4/20) that
was produced after the changes were implemented. This product is being sent to
two labs for testing using the same process listed above.

GFCO and Eco Planet cannot explain why GFWD testing results
are not replicated by other labs, using the same testing method and the same
lot samples. In a scientific panel discussion of the testing results by GFWD,
GFCO, FARRP and Neogen in 2011, the conclusion of the laboratory scientists is
that GFWD hit a hot spot. They further concluded that based on the testing
records provided by the company, a review of operational procedures, and
additional testing performed by other labs, that the problem identified by GFWD
was not representative of the product as a whole. Eco Planet however reviewed
their internal processes and added additional procedures to assure consumers
safety.

In a white paper by GFCO, the following example is used to
describe hot spots.

Have you ever played in the sand at the beach? You shove
your hand deep into the sand, grabbing a handful and pulling it out to see what
is in it. Sometimes you find something, but most times, you do not. That is
what testing food is like…Companies might take product from the beginning,
middle and end of a 5000-pound run for testing. Sometimes these samples are
blended together to make a composite sample before testing. Composite samples
are a representative sample of the entire production lot. Testing is a
measurement of a single point in time… it is a snap shot of a larger picture.

There are a number of factors that may influence testing
results – contamination of the sample in preparation for testing, performing
the test with different extraction methods than endorsed by the kit
manufacturer, lab technician error, chemical reactive interference with the
testing procedure, etc. The safety of products must be based on multiple
testing to get an accurate picture of a product. When a test result comes back
out of range for GFCO certified products, GFCO requests the lab to run the test
again and sends additional samples to other labs. GFCO contacts the Company to
review their on-site testing records and to establish a corrective action plan.
Corrective action plans may include increased testing, additional audits,
product holds or requests for recalls and consumer notifications. In this
situation, GFCO testing and company records support the product safety.

GFCO is dedicated to consumer protection.  We are
confident in the extra steps used by Eco Planet to ensure the safety of their
products.

Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director

Gluten Intolerance Group

Cynthia Kupper, RD | Executive Director

Gluten Intolerance Group

Using targeted poses, or asanas, LauraLynn will show there is a simple way to improve digestion and reduce stress. In a world seemingly filled with stressors, many individuals battle weak digestion and an overall sense of imbalance as a result. Accompanied by the poses is the use of pranayama, or breathing. Experience this technique used to aid in stress reduction and find a place of balance during this morning session. The practice and love of yoga is shared by many individuals in the gluten-free community and all are welcome to take part in this event. Whether you are a seasoned Yogi or an individual curious about this overwhelmingly popular form of exercise, come discover the secrets of yoga and find yourself on a more balanced path with LaraLynn Jansen at the Health and Wellness Experience!

The Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, is testing a new automated phone survey to measure symptoms of celiac disease that can be used to test new treatments for celiac disease.

We are looking for people with celiac disease to test the new survey while eating a food with or without a small amount of gluten.

Participants will take the survey every day for 8 weeks and will come to BIDMC 5 times during the study.

You will be compensated for your time.

This study is being sponsored by Alvine Pharmaceuticals.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact:

Dr. Daniel Leffler

The Celiac Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Phone: 617.667.8397

celiac@bidmc.harvard.edu

Wow!   We now have well over 1400 restaurants that are participating in the Chef to
Plate Campaign.  This far surpasses last year’s total of 900 participating
restaurants.  The Chef to Plate Campaign will reach far more people in it’s
fourth year than ever before.  You can see how the first three years increased
awareness below:

Do you own a restaurant that would like to participate? Please fill out
the form on our website here:  http://www.gluten.net/programs/add-your-restaurant.aspx

There will be plenty of time for mingling and networking with fellow members of the gluten-free community and well-known gluten-free bloggers and authors from all over the country. This year is going to be extra special with the opportunity to join these bloggers and authors at Safeco Field with the Mariners for Gluten-Free Awareness Night, which kicks off the conference on Friday night. Get your popcorn ready because this baseball game is going to be a ball! You can join in on the fun with your gluten-free pals while enjoying the baseball game and tasty gluten-free snacks. It will be great to share your gluten-free stories and experiences with others who face similar issues such as eating out, traveling and how to enjoy life living gluten-free. What better way to enjoy a Friday evening and a fun-filled Saturday than with GIG?

Take a sneak peak on the GIG website for more details and a full schedule of activities at: www.experience.gluten.net.  Who knows what you’ll discover at GIG this June; it may be a tasty gluten-free product or a new gluten-free friendship! That’s the beauty of this event; with all there is to look forward to – you’ll surely have a delicious and fun-filled gluten-free weekend.

If you are a parent who is concerned with your child’s eating patterns, seek advice from a registered dietitian or therapist who is skilled in childhood feeding problems. Check out Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility in Feeding for more information on raising your child to be a competent eater: http://www.ellynsatter.com/

5) Kyngas HA, et al; Compliance in Adolescents with Chronic Diseases: A Review. Journal of Adolescent Health, 26:379-388, 2000

The most talked about form of Celiac Disease (CD) usually encompasses symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, bloating, fatigue and weight loss. However, considering that less than 50% of CD patients have all of these symptoms, and that 25% have none of them at all, it is important to know what other symptoms are associated with CD.

A recent case study looked at a 29 year-old man who had none of these symptoms, but he did complain of chronic back pain. Tests of the patient’s spine revealed compression fractures and low bone density (severe osteopenia). Because severe osteopenia is rare in a 29 year-old, certain questions were raised. It was found that he had antibodies to tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) and other antibodies indicative of CD. These “silent” or atypical symptoms are more common of CD diagnosis now because physicians are increasingly aware of the need to look for them. CD is a complex disease which can manifest in many different ways. Health care professionals as well as patients need to be aware that low bone density could be an indication of CD.

Mulder, Christopher J.; Cardile, Anthony P.; Dickert, Judith. Celiac Disease Presenting as Severe Osteopenia. Hawaii Medical Journal  2011, VOL 70, NO 11