I repeat. SPELT IS NOT GLUTEN FREE. I had an experience this weekend that led to me start an e-mail campaign. Here is a copy of one of my e-mails:
I saw on Twitter that there is an upcoming conference on grain growing and was hoping you could help me dispel a myth. I was at the OEFFA conference last weekend and found that there is misinformation out there that spelt is a gluten-free grain that it is safe for celiacs. Of course, it isn’t gluten free and is dangerous for celiacs.
The problem is two-fold:
First: Selling spelt and spelt products as gluten-free can make unknowing celiacs ill or well-meaning family and friends can serve their new ‘gluten-free’ find and cause illness.
Secondly: If a farmer believes that spelt is gluten free and also grows GF grains like buckwheat, millet, amaranth, or corn and then grinds these naturally GF grains with the same mill and processes them on equipment used for spelt-they have contaminated their naturally GF grains.
I hate to see small farmers trying to make a living and getting in on the GF markets, but ruining their efforts like this. I did meet a couple who was doing just this and they were none too pleased to have me pointing out their error. So much is at stake for farmers and this would be a costly mistake to make. I hope your organization can help stop this before it happens to another small grain farmer.
Do you keep an eye on local farmers’ markets, bakeries, and stores selling gluten-free products? I’d love to hear your stories of finding spelt marketed as gluten free or other gluten mistakes you’ve discovered in your town or in your travels. Please share.
