Jules Gluten Free - New Cookie Mix Now Available

Just wanted to let everyone know about a newly available treat from Jules Gluten Free. Jules Shepard has been to Raleigh many times for Gluten Free cooking classes and she usually brings along a favorite - cookies. The item was requested so much by her following that a brand new cookie mix based on her frequently used recipe was released.

LG Nutrition

I've written in the past about a local Dietitian named Leslie Gaillard who is very familiar with Celiac Disease (she is a Celiac).  Leslie has formed her own dedicated private practice to help those with Celiac Disease successfully navigate the Gluten Free diet.  See below for more information.

Discount On Celiac Genetic Testing From Prometheus

Please see below for more information on a discount running until September 1st, 2010 for genetic Celiac Disease testing from Prometheus Labs.  This is for their saliva-based product called MyCeliacID.  FYI - the test normally cost $329 so this is a $100 discount!  Read my previous articles about genetic testing here.

Reminder - Greater North Raleigh Celiac Support Group Meeting

Just a friendly reminder about this month's Greater North Raleigh Celiac Support Group meeting. The meeting is Thursday, June 17th at 7pm at Rex Hospital. The focus of our meeting will be information and discussion related to the newly diagnosed, which includes those "not so newly diagnosed" who are still struggling with the g-f diet.

Reminder: July and August are vacation months. Following this month's meeting, September 16th will be our next meeting.

Please email Pat Berger to request more information about the group or if you are interested in attending this month's meeting.

You can also check out the Support Group's Yahoo Web page here.

Raleigh CSA Support Group 5-20-2010 Meeting Recap

Special thanks to Gail for taking meeting minutes during the last North Raleigh Celiac Support Group meeting on 5-20-2010. Below is a recap for those of you that could not make the meeting.

Raleigh CSA Support Group 4-15-2010 Meeting Recap

Special thanks to Gail for taking meeting minutes during the last North Raleigh Celiac Support Group meeting on 4-15-2010. Below is a recap for those of you that could not make the meeting.

North Raleigh Celiac Support Group
CSA Chapter 108
April 15, 2010 7:00-8:30 PM
Rex Hospital Private Dining Room, Raleigh, North Carolina 

Lisa Noto chaired the meeting in Pat’s absence. Lisa requested that if anyone has materials (books or other items) that belong to the Support Group to please return them at next month’s meeting.

The recent Raleigh Whole Foods Gluten-Free Fair was larger and better supplied that previous events. Thank you to group members Mark LeSaint and Judy Eise for volunteering.

Our special guest was Nancy Long, co-owner of Harmony Farms Natural Foods. She introduced the group to several new G-F products which have been added to their already extensive selection of special items and gluten-free foods. She talked about natural enzymes in raw foods and “Vega” a plant based, protein supplement. Nancy also discussed the opening of Café Harmony. www.cafeHarmony.net. They serve breakfast and lunch daily and are dedicated to the best of organic and locally supported food. Gluten-free options in addition to other diverse dietary needs can be provided.

Zach Becker announced that North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue has proclaimed May 2010 as Celiac Awareness Month. Several events including a six course g-f wine dinner and a food drive of non-perishable, gluten-free, foods in support of the North Carolina Food Bank on May 8, 2010, have been planned. Further details are posted on Zach’s blog http://glutenfreeraleigh.blogspot.com/.

In other local news, Custom Choice Cereal’s new website is up and running. The N.C. Dept. of Agriculture has not made any further contact regarding Paul Seelig and the investigation into his former bread company. A new Cameron Village restaurant, Café Caturra, is planning to offer g-f menu items.

A general discussion regarding late onset celiac disease and symptoms was held. Neuropathy is an issue for many as is difficulty sleeping. Several options, including over the counter supplements was discussed. Food safety is another concern. Zach noted that the total group order for EZ Gluten testing kits is 175.

Our next meeting will be held at Rex Hospital on May 20, 2010. Group members Eileen and Marcel Pusey will share information and tasting of a g-f meal replacement.

Submitted by,
Gail Harris

FREE Celiac Disease/Gluten-Free Diet Webinars

Check out a great opportunity to learn about Celiac Disease and the Gluten Free Diet from two experts in the field - Shelley Case & Dr. Daniel Leffler. The FREE webinars are sponsored by riceworks & befreeforme.com.

If you could ask Dr. Leffler and Shelley Case ANY question you wanted about Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet, what would your question be?

Back by popular demand, GlutenFreeSnacksForMe.com and riceworks® presents two of North America’s most acknowledged celiac disease authorities to answer your questions on the gluten-free diet during their upcoming web simulcasts this summer.

Join Shelley Case for two live webinars: June 15th, 2010 at 8:30pm EST. June 22nd, 2010 at 8:30pm EST. Shelley Case is a leading international nutrition expert on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. A popular speaker and educator, she is a frequent guest on television and radio. Her book, The Gluten-Free Diet is the most comprehensive resource on the market. Shelley will be covering information on celiac disease and gluten sensitivity in addition to all her tips and facts for managing a gluten-free diet.

Join Dr. Daniel Leffler for a live webinar: July 13th, 2010 at 8:30pm EST. Daniel Leffler, MD, MS, Instructor in Medicine, HMS, and Division of Gastroenterology at BIDMC, has just launched his book Real Life with Celiac Disease. Dr. Daniel Leffler, will cover a wide range of topics from his book Real Life with Celiac Disease including screening and diagnosis, associated conditions, food allergies and intolerances, complications, nongastrointestinal manifestations, and celiac disease vs gluten intolerance.

Click here to register.

Gluten Free Charlotte Blog Update

Great news for those of you living (or visiting) Charlotte, NC - a brand new author has taken over the blog to provide you with Gluten Free information.  Please click here to read the introductory post from Leah - a Charlotte resident living with Gluten Intolerance since childhood.

Welcome aboard Leah and thanks for blogging Gluten Free about your city and helping others out.

Gluten Free Fayetteville Blog Update

Great news for those of you living (or visiting) Fayetteville, NC - a brand new author has taken over the blog to provide you with Gluten Free information.  Please click here to read the introductory post from Michelle Butzgy- a Fayetteville resident living with Celiac Disease since March 2010.

Welcome aboard Michelle and thanks for blogging Gluten Free about your city and helping others out.

Gluten Free Greensboro Blog Update

Great news for those of you living (or visiting) Greensboro, NC - a brand new author has taken over the blog to provide you with Gluten Free information.  Please click here to read the introductory post from Shelby- a Greensboro resident living with Celiac Disease since August 2009.

Welcome aboard Shelby and thanks for blogging Gluten Free about your city and helping others out.

Gluten Free Wilmington Blog Update

Great news for those of you living (or visiting) Wilmington, NC - a brand new author has taken over the blog to provide you with Gluten Free information.  Please click here to read the introductory post from Jennifer - a Wilmington resident who has a child with Gluten sensitivities.

Welcome aboard Jennifer and thanks for blogging Gluten Free about your city and helping others out.

Update: Fraudulent Gluten Free Baker Criminal Case

Earlier today, Paul Seelig had his latest court hearing before Wake County Superior Court in the ongoing criminal case of fraudulently selling Gluten containing bread as Gluten Free.  You can read all the history on this case here.  A quick recap; Durham resident Paul Seelig started a company called Great Specialty Products which sold repackaged regular wheat bread as Gluten Free to dozens of GF consumers in the Triangle.  After numerous complaints, he was investigated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture which shut his business down and brought 9 felony charges of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses.  Testing done by the NCDA found the bread contained > 5,000 PPM Gluten.  A Wake County Grand Jury indicted Seelig on those charges in early April.

It was believed that Seelig would take a plea offered which reduced the 9 felonies to 6 and would halt the bringing of 22 additional felonies against him.  He would also not be ordered to pay restitution to the defendants.  In a shocking development, Seelig in fact turned down the deal and instead pleaded Not Guilty to those 9 counts.  We had been waiting since early May for Seelig to put his affairs together in preparation for pleading guilty but this was apparently just more stalling.

Wake County Assistant District Attorney Jason Waller then asked Judge Donald W. Stephens to arraign Seelig on those 9 felony counts.  Judge Stephens encouraged Waller to get to the Grand Jury quickly and then said "Try It... Try It... Try It".  Strong and condemning words from the Wake County Superior Judge indicating this case is going to a trial.  Seelig was immediately placed in the custody of the sheriff deputies and given a $750,000 secured bond.  At this time, Seelig is currently in the Wake County jail awaiting trial.  I guess when you are this crazy, 31 felony counts are better somehow than 6.  Who knows.

Over the next few weeks, the DA will head back to a Grand Jury to indict Seelig on the additional 22 felony counts.  In another shocking development, Waller informed the court that Seelig had offered to supply information about a suspect in an ongoing homicide investigation in exchange for getting his current charges dropped or reduced.  Seelig then turned in a completely innocent man as the suspect in the homicide.  You may have heard of this case - State School Board Member Kathy Taft - who was killed in Raleigh in March.  Of course, another suspect has been arresting in that case.

At this point, nothing should really surprise you about Seelig.  His past, including several federal and state convictions (wire fraud, forfeiture and grand theft property), along with his more recent deceitful actions again the Gluten Free community certainly indicate a long history of poor behavior.

I'll keep you up to date with all the latest as this case proceeds and the additional charges are brought.  You can also read the latest from Andrea Weigl from the News & Observer here.  More from WRAL & NBC17.

Celiac Sprue Association Needs Your Help In North Carolina

This is for CSA members and friends living in North Carolina. You can help all celiacs! Contact your Senator! Your US Senator Richard Burr has yet to support adding barley, rye and common oats as hazards in a “Managers Amendment” to S. 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act. Allergen designation will only cover WHEAT. This bill is expected to come out of committee for a Senate vote very, very soon. PLEASE contact your Senator on the Health Committee. Urge YOUR Senator to agree to include the food hazards for those with Celiac Disease. It is your turn, we have done what we can on the national level.

Add WORDS TO THE LIST on page 129, line 9 of S. 510 - - -
Hazard Analysis – (A) “gluten as related to celiac disease.” This simple revision would mean food companies would be required to have information from ingredient suppliers on to presence of wheat AND also gluten sources of barley, rye, common oats AND risk of cross contact potential. Knowledge is the lifeblood of the lifelong management of celiac disease.

Please take the time NOW – THIS WEEK to contact your Senator and tell him how much this can help YOU and your family. Email or Fax your letter. Here is the link to the text of the bill posted on the CSA website. S510 Bill.

Webpage of Senator Richard Burr – United States Senator for North Carolina
To phone Senator Burr’s Washington Office: (202) 224-3154 His staff will carry your message.

SAMPLE LETTER BELOW
Scroll down copy and paste and personalize. Please share this with a friend. For more information call the CSA Office for Executive Director Mary Schluckebier. Thank YOU!

[Date]

The Honorable Senator Richard Burr, North Carolina
217 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510

REF: S. 510, the Food Safety Modernization Act

Dear Senator Burr,

As your constituent, I am seeking your leadership and support for an amendment to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Management Act to include the hazards affecting the food choices of those with celiac disease.
S. 510, page 129, line 9 Hazard Analysis – (Add the words, such as)
“gluten as related to celiac disease.”

Celiac disease, is an autoimmune disease, thus excluded from the food allergy aspects of the bill. A Manager’s Amendment would recognize this hazard and protect the 1% of the population coping with this autoimmune disease. My family lives with celiac disease. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet.

It is not always possible to determine the RISK of a food being free of wheat, barley, rye, common oats, their crosses and their derivatives either directly as an ingredient or through cross contact. Such information is rarely available. The lack of documentation creates a health hazard for those requiring gluten–free foods and an unclear liability for food companies.

Please include our food hazard in this bill. At this time:
*No safe gluten threshold has been established for those with celiac disease.
*The FDA regulation for volunteer gluten-free food labeling is pending.
*The gluten–free segment of the food industry grew 74% between 2004 and 2009 and is projected to continue growing at a rate of 15–25% per year, according to the Nielson Company.

Thank you in advance for your leadership.
Sincerely,[Your Name]

Celiac Disease Awareness Month Recap - May 2010

Just wanted to send out some updates about Celiac Disease Awareness Month now that May is over.  We had quite a few activities going on this year - thanks to all who helped and/or participated.  You can see my official announcement about these events here.  Overall, I think we had a pretty good month of raising awareness and having good events.  See below for details on each.

Gluten Free Wine Dinner @ Bella Monica Italian Restaurant
This excellent event was held on Sunday, May 16th.  Bella Monica hosted an awesome six course Gluten Free wine dinner exclusively for their Raleigh-area Gluten Free consumers (about 50 people).  The menu featured items from the Bella Monica GF menu along with specially prepared dishes from a new cookbook by Vanessa Maltin.  The cookbook, called The Gloriously Gluten-Free Cookbook: Spicing Up Life with Italian, Asian and Mexican Recipes, was given to each participant of the dinner which was a nice touch.  We've already used it a few times at home and the recipes are easy to prepare and taste great.

If you follow me on Twitter, I was posting tweats during the meal with pictures and commentary on each course.  See below for some of the pictures I took during the event.

Overall, the event was really well organized and the food and wine were awesome.  Kudos the the folks at Bella Monica, they really know how to run a top notch restaurant and how to safely serve GF patrons.  Let's hope they put on another one of these events!

Gluten Free Food Drive
There was also a Gluten Free Food Drive which benefited the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.  This food bank serves 34 counties in NC and handles 500,000 people daily.  That means they likely see around 5,000 Gluten Free consumers each day as well!  The idea was to stock the Food Bank with some GF food and I think we did pretty good.  There was an all day physical food drive on Saturday, May 8th at the following locations (Bella Monica, Rosie's Plate, Earth Fare, Whole Foods, Harmony Farms, Cafe Harmony, Mellow Mushroom and ZPizza (Raleigh and Cary locations)).  A huge thanks to the participating locations for helping me collect the food and for offering special discounts to you for donating.  You donated 193 pounds of GF food to the food bank - that translates to 162 meals or $690.

In addition, there was a month long virtual food drive as well so that folks could donate money in case they were not able to participate in the May 8th drive.  I had set a goal of $500 and received just shy of 50% of that goal - $235.  In total, we collected nearly $1,000 worth of GF food for the Food Bank!  Pretty good - probably could have done better but it's a start.  If you'd like to donate to the Food Bank, they accept donations all the time at their Raleigh warehouse located on 3808 Tarheel Drive.  You don't need me organizing anything.

Governor's Proclamation
One of the biggest accomplishments was the declaration by Governor Bev Purdue marking May 2010 as North Carolina Celiac Disease Awareness Month.  I believe there were 3 states in total that took this action (New York and Georgia as well).  We are doing our part here in NC of course so that's a good thing.  Thanks to Pat Berger for putting the weight of the CSA North Raleigh Celiac Support Group behind the proposal I made to the Governor.  Hopefully we can do this each year until the US Congress declares May as National Celiac Disease Awareness Month.  Unfortunately, the local and state media did not give this much press.  Locally, NBC 17 did a story that touched on it (thanks to Shirley Min).  Click here for the story.  I'm a little disappointed that more media coverage did not take place which would have raised more awareness.

Food Allergy Poster
A food allergy poster was created to educate kitchen workers at restaurants about the top common food allergens (including Gluten).  The original idea was to involve Wake County officials from the Environmental Health & Safety Department, but this effort has stalled.  I'd love to have this poster in every one of the 2,500 Wake County restaurants at some point - wouldn't it be great if restaurant workers were required to know about food allergies?  Most of you have signed my petition for this.  A start would be for Wake County to have the poster available for download on their site http://www.wakegov.com/food - specifically here.  For now, the poster will be hosted here at Gluten Free Raleigh.  If you'd like to let Wake County officials know of your desire to have this poster in restaurants (or available for download on Wake County's site), you can contact them by calling 919-856-7400.  Let them know there are over 450 signatures on the petition.  You can also print off the poster and take it to your favorite restaurants and ask them to post it in their kitchen as well.