Health News

February 22, 2006

Last week it was revealed that McDonald's fries are not gluten free. In fact, McDonalds has been using wheat and dairy to flavor their fries for years. Previously, the popular fast-food chain's fries were labeled "gluten free" and considered to be a "safe food" for anyone on a strict gluten- and casein-free diet, known as GFCF. Since the news broke, people in celiac and autistic communities have been deeply disturbed by the news. For those with celiac disease, even a trace of gluten can lead to severe intestinal damage; for many autistic children, gluten and casein cause hyperactive behavior and a host of gastrointestinal problems.

As of Friday, at least three lawsuits had been filed against McDonald's. Many parents who have children affected by celiac disease or other food allergies thought McDonalds fries were a safe treat. McDonald's acknowledged on Feb. 13 that a seasoning agent containing beef, wheat, and dairy ingredients -- previously listed as "natural flavor" -- is added to the oil at the factory where the potatoes are precooked by the supplier. McDonald's early this month removed the fries from its list of gluten-free offerings.