Boar’s Head, Gluten-Free

Lately, I’ve been eating a lot of sliced deli meat. Like daily. As a lacto-ovo vegetarian for seventeen years this still surprises me: I’m eating turkey right now. But during the writing of the book, I put on a couple of pounds, as I mentioned earlier. I joined Weight Watchers and my best weapon was Boar’s Head deli meats. I hit my goal, and then some, in under three months - I know, insane.

All Boar’s Head products are gluten-free and most are allergen-friendly. I met representatives of Boar’s Head recently at Food Fete and had a chance to get some more information about their policies through an email interview with RuthAnn LaMore, Director of Communications at Boar’s Head:

ALLERGIC GIRL: All Boar’s Head products are gluten-free. How long has Boar’s Head been GF? Who certifies your GF status?

BOAR’S HEAD: Boar’s Head Meats Cheeses and Condiments are all Gluten Free. Most of them have always been gluten free, and the balance we received confirmation of over 10 years ago. We do not participate in any of the gluten free “certification” programs. None of the ingredients in any of the meats cheeses or condiments are derived from Wheat, Rye Oats or Barley.

AG: What about other allergens? Soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, dairy and eggs. The FAQ says “Contact Boar’s Head ”, but can you tell me more.

BH: We maintain an extensive data bases that tracks the ingredients within our ingredients. This is why we ask people to contact our nutrition line so that we can be certain that we are answering the needs of their specific sensitivity.

AG: Is Boar’s Head FALCPA compliant? What extra or special measures does Boar’s Head employ in regards to all allergens?

BH: Yes, we are in compliance with all FALCPA regulations. Each Boar’s Head manufacturing plant has an allergen control program in place that supports their HACCP programs. (see above for extra measures).

AG: A major food allergy/gluten-free concern with ordering any deli meat is cross contamination at the deli counter. Can you give us your best tips to avoid cross contamination when ordering your Boar’s Head products?

BH: Ask the deli associate if they have a slicer dedicated to gluten free products. Some do. If they do not, ask them to wipe the counter and slicer where the product will be placed before opening it, and then change their gloves before touching your product.

AG: What are some new Boar’s Head products we can look forward to?

BH: London Broil and EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast are our newest items.


Thank you Boar’s Head!

If you have further questions, check out the Boar’s Head site. Meanwhile, I’m off to lunch of salad and a few ounces of sliced Boar’s Head chicken breast.

Comments

Popular Posts