Gluten contamination present in the commercial oat supply of Canada

Recent studies have shown that those with coeliac disease and on a gluten-free diet can safely consume pure oats. A test on the gluten content of oats grown in Canada, carried out by the Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, has found that 88% of the 133 oat samples tested were heavily contaminated with gluten, above 20mg/kg.

Only one variety was shown to be completely free of all contamination, and since the researchers were unable to determine the point of contamination, whether it be cross-contamination in the field, in transport, storage or milling, the study shows that only certified ‘pure’ oats are suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Source: Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A

 

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