Gluten Free Pizza from Dominos – but it may contain traces of gluten.

by Veronica on December 5, 2009

in Food-Issues, Soapbox

So, Domino’s Pizza Australia is doing a range of gluten free pizzas now.

Which is great, it truly is. I was over the moon when I heard, knowing that some days, I would just really like to be able to buy a pizza, without all the hassle of making my own bases.

I did a quick search, to see if it really was true, or if it was a rumour and no, definitely truth.

Inevitably I wondered at the price of gluten free bases and so clicked over to the Domino’s website to check out the pricing on gluten free bases.

Only to find this when I moused over the gluten free base selection.

Gluten Free Base* Although all due care is taken with your order, your meal may contain traces of gluten. Please note your pizza topping selection may not be gluten free.

I was struck dumb, before starting to swear and curse just a little.

What use is a gluten free pizza, if it isn’t actually gluten free? I am not taking objection to the possibility of some of the topping choices not being gluten free. I know to avoid those. However, there are 13 toppings advertised as being GF choices.

And if it were just the toppings that were not gluten free, wouldn’t it only mention toppings? Not this line about ‘Although all due care is taken…’

So, Dear Domino’s,

Did you know in Australia, to declare something GLUTEN FREE, it needs to actually be, GLUTEN FREE?

It is illegal in Australia, to call something gluten free, if there is a chance it may contain traces of gluten. ILLEGAL.

False advertising all around and I am fuming.

Now, if I hadn’t researched, if I’d just gone down to the local pizza shop and bought a pizza that is declared GLUTEN FREE and endorsed by the Coeliac Society of Australia, then there is a good possibility that your pizza would have made my little girl very ill.

When she has gluten, it damages her intestines. She gets stomach pain and diarrhoea. Her behaviour deteriorates and she can’t control her moods or her body properly. She can’t absorb any nutrients from her gluten free diet and she loses weight, all because of a little bit of gluten.

It takes her gut THREE WEEKS to heal. Three weeks of a very sick little girl, all because something that should have been gluten free was contaminated with trace amounts of gluten.

It’s not good enough Domino’s, not good enough at all.

And to the Coeliac Society of Australia, I think your research was flawed and for you to be endorsing a product that isn’t actually gluten free disappoints me.

Edited to add:

I have spoken to the Coeliacs Society of Australia and they want to make it very clear that they are only endorsing the BASES of Domino’s gluten free pizza’s. The bases are made elsewhere and are certified gluten free.

Forgive me for thinking this, but when you say gluten free pizza, I imagine a base with tomato and toppings and cheese on top. Not just a baked base. Yes, the base might be gluten free when it leaves the factory, but it doesn’t stay that way if it is then contaminated with gluten while in the Domino’s store. And Dominos even says itself that they have 13 different gluten free toppings – so why aren’t they endorsed too? Oh wait, that’s right, because they can’t guarantee the gluten free status of them.

I am so so angry.

**

Edited to add – I left this in the comments, but thought it would probably be better up here.

The Laws –

16 Claims in relation to gluten content of food
(1) Claims in relation to the gluten content of food are prohibited unless expressly
permitted by this Code.

(2) A claim to the effect that a food is gluten free must not be made in relation to a food
unless the food contains –

(a) no detectable gluten; and
(b) no –
(i) oats or their products; or
(ii) cereals containing gluten that have been malted, or their products.

From here – http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/ACF2A90.pdf Page 15 of the PDF file. From Food Standards Australia and New Zealand

***

I am unsticking this post, not because Domino’s has addressed my concerns (form letter – not good enough) but because the tone of the comments is getting nasty and I’m not quite prepared to deal with much more personal nastiness. That said, comments will remain open and I will continue discussions with Domino’s, The ACCC and Food Standards Australia in regards to the illegal labelling.

Fiona February 5, 2010 at 5:58 pm

Well done Dominoes. *rolls eyes*

Becky February 5, 2010 at 6:11 pm

Having worked at a Domino’s previously, I imagine that the non-gluten-free aspect of it has to do with the fact that the pizza will be made at the same work station and baked on the same trays that all the yummy, glutteny-pizzas are cooked on. They won’t do anything special in terms of using different spatulas or anything like that— they may if a manager is watching, but the second he turns his back they’ll stop.

That doesn’t mean I recommend buying it, but I just think it has more to do with the handling of it and less to do with the inherent ingredients.

Veronica February 5, 2010 at 6:18 pm

And that’s really where the big problem is, in the cross contamination. By rights, you can’t call something gluten free here if it is cross contaminated.

river February 5, 2010 at 6:25 pm

Did you fire off this post to Dominos as well? They really need to know how serious this issue is.
I found a range of gluten free frozen pizzas in the freezer section at Coles a while back, so I bought one to try. It was absolutely the worst pizza I ever tried to eat. Obviously more companies need to work on this and find a recipe that’s palatable as well as gluten free.

Veronica February 5, 2010 at 6:29 pm

River – I did indeed. I sent them a link to the page, as well as a letter of complaint.

katef February 5, 2010 at 6:39 pm

It’s a disclaimer like the peanut thing – NUT FREE *this was processed on machinery that also process products that contain nuts. There’s no nuts IN IT, that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been contact with nuts and won’t still kill someone with an allergy. It sucks, but I think it is actually legal in terms of wording and advertising… even though it shouldn’t be.

Veronica February 5, 2010 at 6:42 pm

Kate – as far as I can tell with Australian Legislation, things actually have to be completely gluten free and free from cross contamination to be declared gluten free here. Getting things stamped Gluten Free is meant to be quite a difficult process because of our laws.

Katie February 5, 2010 at 6:47 pm

Wow, that’s pretty disgusting to call it “Gluten Free” and then have a small disclaimer. I get that there might be issues with cross-contamination, but I think if they are going to advertise it as being gluten free, it should be gluten free – no ifs or buts, especially since it’s something that is a medical thing, not a lifestyle choice!

Veronica February 5, 2010 at 6:58 pm

The Laws –

16 Claims in relation to gluten content of food
(1) Claims in relation to the gluten content of food are prohibited unless expressly
permitted by this Code.

(2) A claim to the effect that a food is gluten free must not be made in relation to a food
unless the food contains –
(a) no detectable gluten; and
(b) no –
(i) oats or their products; or
(ii) cereals containing gluten that have been malted, or their products.

From here – http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/ACF2A90.pdf Page 15 of the PDF file. From Food Standards Australia and New Zealand

Brenda February 5, 2010 at 7:41 pm

OMG! That is really irresponsible of Domino’s. Really shameful. Will now RT Kim’s tweet.

Barbara February 5, 2010 at 7:48 pm

Certainly in the UK you can only call something *** free if it is totally free of *** and has not been in contact with, contaminated by or cross-contaminated (however you want to phrase it) by ***. I can buy something if it says “nut free” safe in the knowledge that it has never been anywhere near a nut or anthing else that has been near a nut.

I would hope that would be fairly standard the world over because if I feed my son something that claims to be nut free then I would expect it not to kill him.

tiff February 5, 2010 at 7:58 pm

Fair enough.

Gluten free should mean gluten free.

Ali February 5, 2010 at 9:28 pm

I took the disclaimer to mean that whilst the base is gluten free, many of the toppings, for example salami or other processed meat, often contain some gluten. Perhaps I’ve misinterpreted but I thought they were saying, “take care when choosing topping” essentially, which is, you know, fair enough really as they are only advertising the base as gluten free.

Sharnee February 5, 2010 at 10:39 pm

Aww that’s shitty 🙁 I guess they have to cover their asses just in case there is an issue with some cross contamination. But yeah… then why would they even offer it though? *puzzled* I guess some people may not be very smart and go “OH WOW, GLUTEN FREE!” and then top it with things full of gluten and get themselves into very big trouble?

Veronica February 5, 2010 at 10:54 pm

Ali – I thought of that too, then wondered why they would mention the same thing twice.

“Although all due care is taken with your order, your meal may contain traces of gluten. Please note your pizza topping selection may not be gluten free”

Wouldn’t you just say – ‘Some of our toppings are not gluten free, so please choose wisely.’? Why mention the ‘traces’ of gluten and then mention that the toppings aren’t gluten free.

I might be reading it wrong, but I don’t think I am.

Jayne February 5, 2010 at 11:24 pm

I was told by dietitians for several years that for anything to be advertised as gluten free in Oz HAS to be 100% gluten free.
Oz is the only country (up until a few years ago that I’m aware of) to enforce this strict 100% gluten free guideline.
One of the supermarkets was taken to court a few years ago (and got their arses kicked) for selling snags labelled as gluten free that had traces of gluten in them and caused a massive reaction in someone’s little daughter who had Coeliac’s Disease.
Don’t care if any company is an overseas-owned national, if they want to trade in other countries they better learn the local laws quick smart!

Jayne February 5, 2010 at 11:32 pm

Australia and New Zealand
According to The Coeliac Society of Australia, “there are two types of foods suitable for those requiring a gluten-free diet:

* Foods labeled gluten-free
* Foods made for the general market which are gluten free by ingredient

To be labeled gluten-free in Australia and New Zealand, a food must contain “No Detectable Gluten’ by the most sensitive universally accepted test method. At the time of the printing of the Ingredient List, 7th Edition, testing can achieve a detection level of 0.0005 (5 parts per million). If gluten is not detected then the food can be labeled gluten free.”
http://www.glutenfreepassport.com/refcenter/education/labeling.html

achelois February 6, 2010 at 12:14 am

I agree with you Veronica – it either is or isn’t. To me this is just a marketing ploy – surely if they ‘actually’ cared they would provide a list with a variety of gluten free toppings!

I know exactly the craving for not cooking and just ordering in. We did it with Domino’s not requiring the gluten free option but found them both fatty & salty, so far detatched from authentic Italian roots. Have decided to revert back to Plan A – homemade! My hands are complete rubbish for baking so my lovely mum makes the bases in bulk and we freeze them to use on an ‘when needed basis’. Having chosen the homemade option my kids are now spoilt and think that all food should come with freshly picked basil, shards of expensive fresh parmesan… I am my own worst enemy I think.

Good on you to take them to task.

Marylin February 6, 2010 at 3:28 am

Bloody awful… how stupid can they be, I mean really! >_<

Kristin February 6, 2010 at 7:39 am

Hey Dominos. I’d like to order 10 gluten free pizzas. Here’s a check* for $200.

*While I will do everything possible to insure there are funds in my bank account at the time you cash my check, I may fuck up and the check could possibly bounce. Sorry Dominos.

Sharon February 6, 2010 at 1:12 pm

Criminally stupid! I hope someone sues them for misleading advertising. Is there a Trading Standards Ombudsman/whatever here in Oz? If not there should be, as they would be able to deal with this sort of rubbish.

Veronica February 6, 2010 at 2:00 pm

Sharon – if I haven’t had an acceptable response by early next week, I’m going to get in touch with the ACCC who will fine them for misleading advertising. You CANNOT call something gluten free in Australia if it has gluten. EVEN if that gluten was caused by cross contamination. Not allowed. ILLEGAL.

Veronica February 6, 2010 at 2:03 pm

I’ve got people on twitter arguing Domino’s case and okay, I get that. But their arguement seems to be that “[…traces of gluten are within the pizza…]because there is so much flour within the store, and the setup of the make bench.’

Um yeah, means it’s not gluten free. I am so angry about this, why do people not realise that if the food has gluten, it cannot be called gluten free under our labelling laws.

I think Dominos has seen a niche market and decided to exploit it, without any real research into how to carry out preparing GF pizzas and not contaminating them.

katef February 6, 2010 at 2:58 pm

Oh thanks for updating on the laws…. I wrongly assumed it would be the same with the nut thing… which can claim to be ‘nut free’ but still be made on machinery that processes other things with nuts as long as they write that somewhere on the packaging… which really annoys me.

I hope you get some kind of response from Dominoes… but I reckon it still worth taking further if it is actually breaking the laws… go get em!

Veronica February 6, 2010 at 3:01 pm

Kate – you’re welcome. We ought to be as strict on the nut thing as we are on gluten, nut allergies kill people. If I don’t hear back from Dominos with an acceptable response, I will be calling/emailing the ACCC and complaining about it.

jake February 6, 2010 at 8:05 pm

it is advertised as a gluten free base, which it is, not a gluten free pizza. end of story.

Veronica February 6, 2010 at 8:11 pm

Jake – Okay, so the base is gluten free supposedly, but by the time you turn it into pizza it is no longer gluten free?

WELL WHY IS IT ADVERTISED AS A GLUTEN FREE PIZZA THEN?

What on earth is the point of a gluten free base, if I can’t get a pizza out of it. Geez thanks Dominos, I’ll just take a BASE and NOTHING ELSE.

jake February 6, 2010 at 9:49 pm

I didn’t realise it was advertised as a gluten free pizza? I have only ever seen “Gluten Free Base”.

Veronica February 6, 2010 at 10:40 pm

Jake – in the press releases it was called gluten free pizzas. They are also referred to as gluten free pizzas in the small print surcharge fee bit.

I maintain that there is no point having a GF base, when there is cross contamination of the base and cross contamination of the toppings.

My issue being – Someone is making a pizza. They’ve got flour on their gloves, maybe some crumbs from the oven baked sadwiches too. They reach into the cheese container for a handful of cheese, leaving behind a small amount of flour and crumbs. It doesn’t matter that the cheese is considered GF, because now it is cross contaminated with gluten.

That kind of thing, even when staff making the gluten free pizza are being very careful, is inevitable in an evironment like dominos. Not to mention any airbourne flour particles.

I just don’t see how Dominos can advertise a Gluten Free Pizza, when it isn’t Gluten Free.

Even advertising a GF base seems pointless, when the toppings aren’t going to be completely GF, even if you choose GF options.

Veronica February 6, 2010 at 10:44 pm

Jake – here is a link to the press release if you’re interested? http://www.dominos.com.au/pdf/news/Domino%27s_Gluten_Free_17%20Nov%2009_FINAL.pdf

Andrew February 6, 2010 at 11:17 pm

Before Dominos provided Gluten free BASES, they allowed people to bring in their own gluten base, and they would make the pizza as per usual for them. Not once did any issuse occur. People with Gluten allergies are only a minority in comparison to the rest of the population, yet Dominos has gone ahead and provided those with the allergies a subsitute. They are just trying to make things easier for you guys. Be appreciative, they didnt have to. I understand your argument. I work in a Dominos store and have personally prepared and been present to at least 50+ gluten free products. Not once has a customer had a bad experience. We are all aware as to what toppings contain gluten. Just yesterday someone placed an order over the internet for a gluten free base with bbq sauce instead of tomato. I knew straight away that BBQ sauce contains gluten and got straight onto the phone to the customer checking to see if they were aware of the fact, which they were. There response was the little traces of gluten present is not enough to harm them. They were very happy though that i had taken the time and consideration in looking out for their wellbeing. I realise your argument is that they are so called “false advertising”, but they are not. There is strict operational guidelines in place to prevent any issues arising. Todays society is a very politically correct, thus they have covered themselves with the disclaimer. Its like when you go to a themepark, it says on the ticket that by purchasing this you agree to the terms stated. One being that if any injuries or death shall occur, they can not be held accountable. Imagine that, going on a ride that crashes, your family dies as a result of a mishap and no one can be held accountable. Thats just the way life is, unfortunately it is like that because of people like you who try and pick out all the flaws. Think positive.

Marie February 7, 2010 at 7:12 am

Blah! I’m not sure what to think, I don’t know enough about Aussie laws.

I do however know restaurants. My mother is a chef at a Jewish Uni, and she regularly works the Kosher kitchen. Also, I’ve worked in food service as well… A sandwich shop! Our biggest allergy issue was the peanut butter and jelly. You had to change your gloves before and after, it was done on it’s own board, with it’s own knife and you couldn’t touch anything else. It was ridiculous, but I’d rather go through ridiculous than have someone (especially a little kid, it was apart of the kids menu) get sick. Being a sandwich/bread shop though, we didn’t really deal with the Gluten free thing – I mean, I guess the soups might have been? The clear broth ones anyway.

Sadly, when one has food allergies or issues, eating a home becomes almost a must. I was checked once for Gluten allergy (truth is, I am sensitive to gluten, but it doesn’t make me really sick. So I can still have sandwiches, bread, pasta… ). It makes life difficult (and at least in the US, expensive). I hope you get some kind of response.

nathan February 7, 2010 at 8:49 am

Hi Veronica

Fair enough. I have to agree to a point. I also agree with Marie. Surely somebody with a absolute gluten intolerance would know that they cannot eat from a restuarant that serves wheat based products particular ones with flour everywhere. A few of my best mates are muslem and they would never enter at a restaurant that serves pork or shellfish etc. In fact they will only eat at halal restaurants – restricting themselves to almost a lifetime of homecooked meals.

Same scenario, in my opinion unfortunately your daughter has to avoid these places. I’m sure the options at coffee club that are listed as gluten free will encounter the same problems.. have you ever investigated that? I would say there are a lot of companies falsely taking advantage of this “niche”. For the gluten sensitive people it’s a great product. There is also a lot of research suggesting that people with caliac desease can have up to 10mg of gluten per day without any adverse affects which means your daughter could probably survive a dusting of flour passing through the air. But I’m not going to pretend I know too much on the subject.

Anyway I hope you get a response. It’s always good to know when a company does the right thing.

Veronica February 7, 2010 at 9:19 am

Nathan? Or is it Jake? I’m not sure anymore.

The point is, they shouldn’t be advertising it as gluten free when it isn’t.

I’m fine with my daughter having to avoid these places. That isn’t my issue here.

I know my daughter and I know she doesn’t cope with a ‘fine dusting of flour’ on her food. She reacts and badly. And while studies have shown that *some* Coeliac patients can survive a small amount of gluten without any obvious side effects, no studies have been done into the long term effects of a small amount of gluten. People with coeliacs who are non-compliant to their GF diet, run the risk of getting stomach cancer down the track, because oh wait, it’s been proven to cause CANCER.

And honestly, let’s face it, there are such things are ‘silent coeliacs’ in which the patient has no outward symptoms, but gluten still causes parts of the intestines to atrophy. Whether the patient notices the side effects is irrelevant to the damage being cause internally.

Andrew – this comment also applies to you. Whether or not a person eating at dominos who has Coeliacs experiences discomfort or not after their meal, it doesn’t mean damage hasn’t been done by the trace amounts of gluten present by cross contamination.

Hyphen Mama February 7, 2010 at 12:17 pm

V, I’ve only read about 1/2 of the comments and I’ll go back and read them, so I’m sorry if I’m repeating what everybody else is saying.

Where is the list of gluten free ingredients?

Would the same “fans” of Dominoes defend them for serving peanuts to children with peanut allergies, after declaring a “peanut free” food? No. People do NOT understand the severity of coeliacs. Would they be okay with serving diabetics something laced with sugar? NO. Ignorance doesn’t excuse anything. Just because the reaction caused with this disease doesn’t require an epi pen, or an emergency trip to hospital doesn’t make it less of a health concern.

The sad part is that somebody is feeding this to their kid and wondering why their child got sick.

I’m glad I boycotted Dominoes years ago.

I find it disturbing that people are defending Dominoes’ right to serve food that has gluten and call it gluten-free. There is something wickedly wrong with that.

Veronica February 7, 2010 at 12:32 pm

Okay Andrew, your comment has been bothering me.

Coeliacs is not an allergy. It is an autoimmune response to gluten, wherein the body attacks the stomach lining and intestines. It’s like Lupus, or Crohns Disease. You wouldn’t minimise the effects of Lupus, why do it to Coeliacs?

While your one customer may have known that a little bit of gluten wouldn’t affect THEM, I would hate to think that their experience would speak for ALL people with Coeliacs or Gluten Intolerances.

With coeliacs, you can’t say how much gluten is going to cause issues, therefore NO gluten is the only safe option. The short term issues are the least of your worries. Damage to the gut caused by the reaction to gluten takes WEEKS to heal. Not to mention the long term effects, like cancer.

Hyphen Mama February 7, 2010 at 12:56 pm

Okay Veronica, I cannot hold my tongue. Some of your commenters have COMPLETELY invalidated the severity of Coeliacs. “There is also a lot of research suggesting that people with caliac desease can have up to 10mg of gluten per day without any adverse affects” ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

If one more person uses the “research suggests” or my personal favorite “studies show”… because you know what? Studies show exactly what the researchers WANT the study to show.

And to assume that you, the mother of a child with Coeliacs, do not possibly know the limitations of your child’s disease and have not researched and learned through trial and gawd awful error… just smacks of disrespect.

Bottom Line: Australia does not allow labeling Gluten Free if it is not Gluten Free. Simple as that. There is no gray area. Even if an ingredient comes in a container and sealed inside that container it is GLUTEN FREE, if by the time it is removed from that container, put into a cup or bin or sprinkled on a pizza and in ANY way BECOMES cross contaminated, it is no longer gluten free. Even if it USED TO BE GLUTEN FREE.

I find it a little irrelevant to compare somebody’s food restrictions based on religion to a life altering disease caused by food. I’m also tired of people saying you just don’t ever get to eat in restaurants, and that if you have an allergy, you just need to eat at home. When I look forward to the next 40 years of my life, eating every single meal at home, it means there are no family vacations, no outings that stretch beyond the parameters of meals, no shopping excursions… it seems a little bleak. And it seems like the economy could really use the money I’d be spending on meals out, on my family traveling, or on my family being outside the confines of my home.

I truly hope the people defending the false advertising never have a child with a food allergy and find themselves reading every single food label, then having to look up online what some ingredients even mean, so they can ensure that the one tiny ingredient that’s used for anti-caking is what will cause their child to go into a 3 week-long illness. I truly hope they never experience that.

Sorry Veronica. People just do not understand the severity of a Coeliacs, nor do they care that even though the damage is undetected TODAY, eventually it will cause serious damage.

I think a label change to say “Pizza Base Low in Gluten–A good substitute for those who are Gluten Sensitive”, would be appropriate.

joe February 7, 2010 at 1:31 pm

Hyphen I never pretended I actually had any knowledge on the subject I even stated that. Anyway I do agree with your last point in changing the label.

Again though your ignorance is just as bad as that shown of Domino’s. As I said in an earlier post, obviously you cannot eat at a restaurant that has gluten on the premises. You are clearly just a whiny person and judging by your photo could do with a little less toppings yourself V 😉

Veronica February 7, 2010 at 1:38 pm

Joe/Nathan/Jake – Why on earth do you keep changing your name?

You can eat at a restuarant that also serves gluten containing food, provided that that restuarant understands cross contamination, which all good restuarants do, as cross contamination can kill people.

Also, personal attacks aren’t acceptable here. I would like to know which photo you are alluding to, because as far as I can tell, there are none of me shown on this site in the last 3 months.

Hyphen Mama February 7, 2010 at 2:12 pm

I’m sorry…. I thought the point was that Australian Law does not allow food to be labeled Gluten Free if it isn’t? I’m failing to see what can be disputed.

Why are we now on personal attacks and telling people they should not be eating toppings for people whom we’ve never seen?

OMG Veronica… these aren’t even real humans… we’ve been commenting to drones and trolls. Crap. What a waste of time.

POP.

Ann Campbell February 7, 2010 at 3:59 pm

A friend rang and said, “You’ve got to look at this blog site”. I have looked at everything and checked out Veronica’s home page, about, comments etc. I’ve read all the comments, I’ve contacted Domino’s, gone into one of their stores and taken some of their flyers and asked a few questions. Bought a Pizza, spinach and fetta.
Veronica I think you need to obtain a little balance and common sense. As a family of Ceoliac’s we have eaten at many pizza Restuarants throughout Australia who serve Gluten Free Pizza Bases. We ask questions as to what toppings are recommended and issues of cross contamination. (washing paddles, cutters, serving trays etc) I can’t understand your over the top statements. Why would someone like yourself even think of going into a chain organization like Domino’s?? Their disclaimer is a standard protocol. We’ve been in McDonalds on occasions and seen Gluten Free Brownies in a storage space with other non Gluten Free products and made the choice to NOT BUY THEM in case they have touched other products. (Even spoken to a Manager, on the side, recommending that they use products that are sealed or seperated from the Gluten variety) Manufactures, Restaurants, Businesses, Cafes and the Domino’s of the world need constructive feedback and advice from Ceoliacs and Gluten sensitive customers. Not the kind of hysteria and trying to do damage to my child kind of blog you have. Being constructive allows for information and knowledge to become common place otherwise Ceoliac’s will have to eat at home. It wasn’t that long ago that the origional sites for Ceoliac’s around the world were been taught , How to not cross contaminate in their own home. Haven’t we come a long way!
If you do go to the ACCC, I will observe with interest and I would assume that you will be going for everyone that sells Gluten Free Food, because your comments of “Exploiting a niche market etc are so destructive for the Gluten Free Market and those who are trying to supply to a market that has been limited for so long.
In summary having read all the Domino’s flyers I believe them to state that they have a GLUTEN FREE CRUST available. They recommend a few varieties of toppings and you can ask questions about other toppings for your concerns.
I also googled Eatability.com.au and typed in all of the Capital city areas, Gluten Free Pizza Restaurants. 1000’s
Good Luck with your witch hunt.

Veronica February 7, 2010 at 4:48 pm

Hi Ann – I’m glad a friend thought to let you know about this.

You ask why I would even think about going to a chain organisation like Dominos, the answer is, I wouldn’t. Not at all, because of the cross contamination issue.

I am not trying to create hysteria, nor is this the whole premise of my blog like you have wrongly assumed. I am merely stating, that in Australia, to call something GLUTEN FREE it needs to be completely GLUTEN FREE. It’s an issue of labelling and marketing laws.

I am not after everyone that sells gluten free food, as all of the gluten free food I have come across is actually gluten free. Not cross contaminated and certainly not served with a disclaimer that it might have gluten in it. It’s THAT which I am taking objection to.

If Dominos are stating that only the crust is gluten free, then why is their press release about a gluten free pizza? Forgive me for assuming that a pizza is not just a base and nothing else.

You quote me as saying “Exploiting a niche market etc are so destructive for the Gluten Free Market and those who are trying to supply to a market that has been limited for so long.”

However, I did not say anything of the sort. Those are your words, not mine.

This is not a witch hunt. I am arguing a point of law, in which Dominos is wrong.

The Almighty (aka GOD) February 7, 2010 at 5:19 pm

I am watching this debate very closely.

Karin February 7, 2010 at 6:06 pm

Veronica, I completely agree with you. It is simply unacceptable to label something “Gluten free” if it is not 100% gluten free. It is a simple statement and should have a simple solution. Either make sure that your product contains no traces of gluten, or change your labeling. Dominos is wrong and they suck big time if they don’t fix this.

Sharnee February 7, 2010 at 9:11 pm

I don’t think this is a “witch hunt” – I think you’re just concerned with something that has you very very frustrated (and that if you had bought without realising, something that could have made your daughter very very ill). So I think you’re justified to feel the way you do.

I think you’re handling yourself very well for some completely ridiculous comments (ie: Joe).

Seraphim February 7, 2010 at 10:25 pm

Veronica is her daughter’s advocate, and her daughter should be very proud to have such an articulate and wary mother. What Dominos is doing is false advertising and it is breaking the law. No more, no less. It is unclear why people are getting so het up and personal about a valid point she is making.

Ann Campbell February 8, 2010 at 12:47 pm

Veronica, I am sorry that you thought my friend let me know of your blog in a positive way (not the case) We are both parents and friends of Ceoliacs. She went though all of your Best OF as did I looking for a reference to you being the mother of a child with Ceoliac Disease. We have read all about your births, your Ehles Danlos Syndrome, your partner Nathan, your need to write, spiky vibrators (re Am I a Bad mother) Mice, Porn Jelly etc.
So when I saw in your intro that you were quote “Over the moon when I heard, etc Domino’s have Gluten Free Pizza Bases. (in reply to me you stated that ‘You wouldn’t go into a Domino’s’) I am totally confused.
Domino’s Press release 17 November 2009 states, “We already have a vast majority of ingredients which are Gluten Free, Now with the Gluten Free Pizza Bases we have 13 Pizza varieties which when paired with the new Gluten Free Bases are suitable for Ceoliacs. Gluten Intolerant customers also have the option of designing their own pizza”
As I said in my previous comment, we ask questions in all Restaurants, pizza outlets and cafes that serve Gluten Free food on their menu. Do you know about Cross contamination? if they don’t we don’t eat their. (It is obvious that as a VERY LARGE ORGANIZATION Domino’s states a covering disclaimer.
You also made reference to me quoting you Para 5 (your comments Feb 7 @ 4.48) saying that “Exploiting a niche market etc are so destructive for the Gluten Free Market ………
You then say However , I did not say anything of the sort. Those are my words, not yours!
Please refer to Veronica says: February 6, 2010 @ 2.03pm Last Para. Your words, I THINK DOMINO’S HAS SEEN A NICHE MARKET AND DECIDED TO EXPLOIT IT WITHOUT ANY REAL ETC ETC ETC.
I apologize if it is a quote from another Veronica.
I also tried to google eatability.com.au (nothing available for Tasmania unfortunately) so I couldn’t see if there are any pizza restaurants, or take away outlets who use Gluten Free Pizza Bases and what Disclaimers they use.
Have found a heap in Sydney. All care etc.
I still believe this is a witch hunt and just can’t reference anything you have previously done to see your point.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises February 8, 2010 at 12:50 pm

Hi There,

Thankyou for your feedback regarding Domino’s Gluten free bases.

Domino’s Gluten Free base and 13 gluten free pizza options have been approved by the Coeliac Society.

A considerable amount of work has been done to provide products suitable for Coeliacs, including:
1. The pizza base only being endorsed by The Coeliac Society. It is made in a gluten free endorsement and tested to contain no detectable gluten.
2. Identification of gluten free toppings.
3. Detailed in store handling procedures to eliminate contamination approved by The Coeliac society.

The Coeliac Society are confident that with these matters in place, there should be no concern regarding the safety of Domino’s pizzas marketed as gluten free.

At Domino’s, we have added a warning on our Gluten Free advertisement about the possibility of contamination, as a precautionary measure.

We have worked closely with The Coeliac Society to eliminate errors but at the same time we have been cautious in our advice.

If you have any more queries regarding our Gluten Free pizzas please feel free to call our Headoffice on 07 3633 3333.

Regards,

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises

Veronica February 8, 2010 at 12:53 pm

Anne – I stand corrected, I did say that.

Veronica February 8, 2010 at 1:00 pm

Dominos – I have spoken to the Coeliac society this morning and it’s great that they endorse your BASES. Forgive me for assuming that a pizza is more than a base. I also discussed my concerns that while your bases are gluten free when they are delivered, the possibility of cross contamination would render them gluten free no longer.

In Australia, you CANNOT claim something is Gluten Free and then add a disclaimer that it may contain traces of gluten.

It’s THAT which I am taking objection to. False advertising. Either the food is GF or it isn’t.

I also understand the need to be risk aware and to make the decisions that work best for an individual.

Why not then call the pizza’s Low Gluten, with the disclaimer that the bases are GF and certain toppings are GF, but with cross contamination, there could be trace amounts gluten present.

Veronica February 8, 2010 at 1:21 pm

And Ann (sorry, I spelled your name incorrectly before) I assumed from the tone of your previous comment that your friend hadn’t let you know about my blog in a positive light. Thankyou for pointing that out to me though.

I state that I wouldn’t go into Dominos for Pizza, because of their disclaimer than there may be trace amounts of gluten in the pizza.

By saying that when you enter all food based establishments, that you ask about their practises, are you assuming that I do not? If I was taking risks for myself, it would be different. But I’m not, I’m taking risks that impact on the lives of other people.

I see that you’ve been all through my best of. You do understand that this blogging thing, I only talk about a very small slice of life? Not everything I do or say ends up here.

achelois February 8, 2010 at 1:44 pm

I have commented previously above and taken the trouble to read every single comment. I have also commented a little more over at Veronica’s mum’s blog.

It saddens me that those that disagree with Veronica choose to do so in a manner that is so downright personal and frankly rude. No one minds a healthy debate but I personally find it difficult to take an individual’s comment seriously when they resort to cruel personal comments. Why when there is so much disharmony in the world already do people feel the need to resort to a level of communication so base,so filled with rancour its hard to see the wood for the trees.

I admire Veronica that you take the time and trouble to say again and again the point which you make so eloquently in the first place. I agree entirely with Seraphim above.

I respect the right of anyone to have an opinion but I see no reason why these cannot be expressed with respect to the individual. I am not so naieve that I think that the world should be a happy shiny place but if bloggers at least try perhaps it could be a community where nasty, personal, snidy and unthoughtful comments were absent.

Veronica is not over reacting. She is a good mother who naturally cares for the wellbeing of her children. Over here in the UK mother’s are being prosecuted for feeding their children too often on junk food mainly and causing a variety of health problems brought about by not-caring enough. (For the record I am not interested in debating here the rights and wrongs of prosecuting mother’s of obese children). It seems these days people are so quick to be on the attack. Why verbally attack a good mother just acting in the best interests of her children. Come on people why be so harsh. Imagine if you were on the receiving end of such personal and frankly upsetting comments or someone you loved was bombarded thus. Its not kind.

Veronica makes a valid point. Domino’s is legally at fault here. All Veronica has done is expressed that and also very eloquently expressed the obstacles one comes up agaisnt when raising children.

The comment which I found personally most distressing was Ann Campbell’s. Veronica’s blog is an eclectic mix of her life. In no way does it come across as a witch hunt and am suprised that you describe it as such. It seems to me that your words are an ill thought out vitriolic attack on a mother who actually does understand the law. Perhaps you prefer to sit on the fence and thank multi-million pound companies for their ‘nod’ to those with illness. These companies have the wherewithall to really do the right thing to accept anything less than complying with the law in this instance proves that their primary interest is their profit. Your post really saddened me and I felt particularly that it showed that even those with ‘common ground’ prefer to attack, surely it would have been so much more mature to offer your opinion in a mature manner by explaining your point of view without the underlying tone of plain nastiness. Shame on you.

I know Veronica that you are perfectly capable of fighting your own corner. I just added my opinion because I like the above commenter agree that it just seems unnecessary that people feel the need to express their point of view so.

Let’s play nicely people.

Ann Campbell February 8, 2010 at 3:02 pm

Veronica, Thanks for the correction. I am also glad to see a response from Domino’s and look forward to the responses. I do get the blogging thing and made the effort to go through the Best Of to try and get a better perspective of where you were coming from. i.e Coeliac Disease and parenting. I have done much more since i was advised about this site. You opened the debate, you made claims and statements in relation to Laws and exploitation. And as a parent I to make decisions in relation to my family, I certainly didn’t assume that you don’t enquire to cross contamination. I just feel that your blog was so attacking mainly because it was BIG business and not any food outlet that has a Gluten Free menu without Disclaimers.

Veronica February 8, 2010 at 3:31 pm

Ann – I don’t think my ‘best of’ has anything about my children and Coeliacs. Of course, this blog has nearly 700 posts on it, so my ‘best of’ is meant to showcase my amusing writing, or things I enjoyed writing, not the issues my children are dealing with.

I stand by my claims still. Dominos should not call it a gluten free pizza if they cannot guarantee it’s gluten free status.

If I went into the supermarket and found pasta labelled gluten free, but then found a disclaimer on the back that it may contain traces of wheat, due to cross contamination, I would have written an exact same post. The same for stock cubes, rice flour or canned fruit.

Let’s be clear here, my response has nothing to do with how big Dominos is or isn’t, it has to do with them making claims of Gluten Free, when they can’t substantiate them.

frogpondsrock February 8, 2010 at 3:38 pm

Ann Campbell, if that is who you are? I find the tone of your comments to be quite distasteful. Do you have shares in Dominos perchance?

Ann Campbell February 8, 2010 at 4:13 pm

Ann is who I am. A Mother with Coeliacs in our family. I do not have shares in Domino’s or any thing other companies.
When I started googling on Saturday night your site came up with the statement that ‘Veronica is on her soapbox talking about Domino’s and coeliacs. I can assume you are her Mum???? So maybe you have a bias. Or haven’t read all of Veronica’s comments in the context of others who challenged her view or wanted clarification.
When you google Domino’s Gluten Free Veronica’s “Over the moon comment comes up 5th Feb 2010, so maybe lots of people like me will join the debate.

Veronica February 8, 2010 at 4:18 pm

Or maybe Ann, people will read my post and think twice about eating at Domino’s if they have Coeliacs in the family. Without doing my research first, I would have just trusted in Australia’s labelling laws and taken Dominos at their word that their gluten free pizza, is in fact gluten free. Which it isn’t.

Also, does anyone else find it odd that Domino’s whole defense seems to be that the Coeliac Society endorsed them, even though the Coeliac Society is very quick to point out that they are only endorsing the bases?

Personally, I don’t care how you manage your own Coeliacs with a view to protecting your family and eating out. I do mind that Domino’s is falsely claiming to have a gluten FREE pizza on their menu.

Kathy February 8, 2010 at 9:56 pm

Well. What a lot of bile over one perfectly valid point.

I am a Coeliac myself and mother of a 4-year-old who will probably emerge as a Coeliac at some point (she has the gene, although not yet a +ve blood result). That’s my credentials, in case it is of concern to anyone.

What it comes down to is this – as a Coeliac, ie. the sort of person who will incur both short-term and lifetime risks of gut damage and various dreary diseases if I ingest gluten AT ALL, YES, EVEN A LITTLE TINY BIT – I think the labelling is misleading and dangerous. Dangerous, because as a newly diagnosed Coeliac (myself 4 years ago) just learning about the disease, you can easily be snowed by this kind of doubletalk into eating something you shouldn’t.

I get that the issues here are a) toppings and b) cross-contamination. I have less of an issue with the toppings, actually – I think a simple extra sentence takes care of that, and realistically not all toppings will ever be g free and nor should they have to be. The cross-contam is the bigger concern. How has Dominos demonstrated they understand this? How have they dealt with it? Until those questions are answered, they should not make claims about gluten-free pizzas, even with po-faced legal disclaimers.

Oh and also – all you people who think Veronica is wrong on this, well, that’s your opinion and you’re entitled to it. But I think you might want to check your tones. You’re coming off as nasty, personal and frankly, ignorant.

Bug's mom February 9, 2010 at 1:06 am

As an allergy-mom (although I know Coeliacs is a whole heap more dangerous) I wanted to say: your pain, I feel it. We’ve been dairy free for almost 6 months, because any dairy, yes, as Kathy states, AT ALL, EVEN A LITTLE TINY BIT makes us very very very ill. And I get really, really, really fucking angry when people look at my tiny baby and decide that the possibility of causing her pain is not a good enough reason to be a bit more careful about their labels, or the food they serve me when I am absolutely 100% clear about my needs.
As Kathy said, it’s this doubletalk and small print and the tiny labels that get you when you’re new to all this. I find myself going trough the ingredients of things labelled ‘dairy free’ because I am just too scared of the consequences of an accidental exposure. And don’t get me started on the ‘well you should just stay at home’ brigade. The number of people in the population with SOME sort of food issue is collectively enormous. All allergy sufferers just ‘staying at home’ would probably cripple the food service industry. Why instead cant we just have a little transparency? If your food contains gluten, say it does! If it contains dairy, say it does! Stop trying to hide it like it’s something to be ashamed of, because then we are left with no other conclusion than that they DO have something to hide and be ashamed of.

I hope you get a satisfactory answer. I get where your anger is coming from. It’s not the fluten itself, it’s the duplicity. There’s no need for it!

ireland February 9, 2010 at 8:21 am

Veronica, I have a theory. As Ann has stated, it is YOUR responsibility to question products from restaurants that claim to serve Gluten Free food products; you need to spend some time with the restaurant managers and question their practices, question their education about cross contamination and cleaning practices, and then assume that they tell you is the absolute truth (because you, Veronica do not KNOW how restaurants work, nor would you understand the complicated nature of working in a restaurant). Your problem, Veronica, is that you are taking this Gluten Free claim too literally and the zero tolerance Australian Gluten Free laws too literally. You assume that you should NOT have to do any questioning, not have to do any outside investigating on your own to ensure that your family members do not ingest gluten accidentally, regardless of a Gluten Free label or claim. Veronica, I think you are too rigid, or too inflexible, if you will. For you to have a false sense of security about giving your child something Gluten Free, when it actually isn’t, well that’s your own problem. You silly goose…. for you to actually assume that food that claims to be Gluten Free actually WOULD be gluten free is just asinine. Clear as day. After all, this is 1874 and there is no possible way to ensure anything of the sort.

Ann Campbell February 9, 2010 at 8:29 am

Finally the debate can come back to where it should have started. Food labelling laws in Australia are very strict in the MANUFACTURING of food. 100% Gluten free, Pizza bases, biscuits, crackers, pies, breads etc SOLD IN SUPERMARKETS, IGA’s, and other grocery stores come under strict laws.

The separate issue is the production of food in a Restaurant, pizza outlet, cafe, pub and anywhere food is made and sold as a meal.

This is the overwhelming area of cross contamination and the responsibilty of individuals to ask questions and MANUFACTURERS, and State Ceoliac Societies to recommmend standards. There are no food laws for inspectors to walk into a food outlet and remove food for testing. (there are laws to remove food from supermarkets)

If a cafe advertises that they serve Gluten Free bread (do they use a separate toaster??) If a bistro has bangers and mash GF (do they use a separate grill)
Hot chips (a separate fryer)
That is up to each business to self regulate and Ceoliac’s to be aware and avoid anywhere they don’t feel comfortable in.
As Domino’s is obviously the first National Food Chain to supply a GF option they will either set the standard for others to follow i.e. McDonalds, Hungry Jacks (as they are in other countries around the world) with a disclaimer.
All Cadbury chocolates with or with out nut have a nut disclaimer. However Thai Restaurants do not have a disclaimer that there kitchens are full of nut products.

Maybe the law will change to include the preparation of food, I can’t image that we will ever have a totally Gluten Free Restaurant in every neighbourhood in Australia.
So until Gluten Free Products bought by Food outlets from Manufactures and Supermarkets are taken into a business to be prepared into a meal, called Gluten Free. It will be up to individuals to vote with their feet.

Veronica February 9, 2010 at 8:33 am

I don’t see how splitting hairs helps with things. The food labelling laws I have read don’t mention anything about only being allowed to call something gluten free if it is manufactured in a factory environment.

The laws states that food can only be claimed gluten free when it is in fact, gluten free. Dominos is advertising it with huge banners and billboards. That’s labelling.

Veronica February 9, 2010 at 8:36 am

And uh. Ireland? I wish we had a sarcasm font. Hehe, your comment has me giggling.

“Your problem, Veronica, is that you are taking this Gluten Free claim too literally and the zero tolerance Australian Gluten Free laws too literally.”

YES! It’s funny how I expect the laws to be actual things people follow, not mere suggestions of how businesses ought to behave.

ireland February 9, 2010 at 8:44 am

I think Ann has just made a good point. I think the laws need to be changed to be more specific and allow for labeling that might say “This product was produced Gluten Free, but due to possible cross contamination after leaving the manufacturer’s facility, would not be a good choice for those with severe Coeliacs Disease.”

Veronica, big change has never happened without a fight. You’re doing your part. You are not wrong. Think where we’d all be (okay, I’m in the US, so I can’t vouch for the Aus history of anything) if women didn’t fight for what was RIGHT and just sit back and shut up when people told them to.

I went grocery shopping today and I thought of this “labeling” issue. The store has a tiny little section of GF food and I COUNT ON THOSE LABELS to steer me in the proper direction. I COUNT ON being able to eat those 10 items I get from that aisle. I DO NOT COUNT ON having to call the manufacturers and ask them to clarify anything.

Barbara February 9, 2010 at 9:43 am

This is getting ridiculous now.

It’s pretty obvious that if a company is going to claim that something they sell is gluten free, then it has to be gluten free. If you can’t guarantee that, then call it low in gluten.

It’s not a difficult concept.

Ann Campbell February 9, 2010 at 10:53 am

You have already stated in the beginning that Domino’s has advertised 13 different toppings that are gluten free!
If they are not just the obvious, Tomato, mushroom, cheese, (including feta, mozza, parmesan etc) spinach, capsicums, olives, onions, pesto, rocket, chicken, prawns (I’m starting to run out of GF foods) If they use Hams, bacon, salami and sauces ask them to identify the Manufactured Products and advertise the endorsements.
Sometimes it is easier to be a part of the problem and not the solution.
This may also assist all the other pizza restaurants, cafes, hotels, clubs and food outlets throughout Australia to do the same on their menus.
That would be a job well done to you.
We also use a product that you can take to a restaurant that they can use in their toaster to prevent cross contamination, there is so much out there to be learnt.

Veronica February 9, 2010 at 10:59 am

Ann – I am still not quite understanding why you’re taking objection to this. My whole argument is, and I will ask you to read this slowly:

You cannot claim something is gluten free, if there is a possibility of it being cross contaminated.

Therefore, dominos CANNOT claim that their pizza bases and 13 different toppings are gluten free, but then add a disclaimer that they might not in fact be, 100% gluten free. You’re just not allowed to make those sorts of claims. Either things ARE gluten free or they AREN’T.

frogpondsrock February 9, 2010 at 11:07 am

Veronica you are a much more patient woman than I. I am proud of you sweetheart.

Ann Campbell February 9, 2010 at 11:19 am

Looks like your off to the ACCC then.
Good Luck

C February 9, 2010 at 11:39 am

Wow! That is pretty crazy! Sorry to hear about that. My niece has Coeliac and it would be nice if more places had gluten free options on the menu.

I agree with you on all this, Veronica. If something is advertised as gluten-free, all of the ingredients should be gluten-free. Doesn’t that just make sense?

Anyway, I’m sure you have heaps of recipes of your own, but I’ve got this really cool recipe for pizza with a crust made of rice! Not rice flour. Rice! If you want it, I can e-mail you the recipe. xo

C February 9, 2010 at 11:44 am

I meant to add that I was in agreement with the part about “You cannot claim something is gluten free, if there is a possibility of it being cross contaminated”. We know all too well how dangerous cross contamination can be. Not only is our niece Coeliac, but she also has nut allergies and other food allergies. We have to be super careful and read ingredients, ask questions, etc before ordering anything for her.

The Almighty aka GOD February 9, 2010 at 12:13 pm

Anne, What part of “It is against the law” don’t you understand?

C February 9, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Veronica: Here you are, my lovely! http://lifeonmanitoulin.blogspot.com/2010/02/gluten-free-pizza.html

Hope you enjoy the recipe! XO

Ann Campbell February 9, 2010 at 12:58 pm

I get the law, that’s why Veronica should take them on if she is that passionate.
Go for Domino’s, the ACCC, post the responses from the food authority in relation to which breaches they find.
Go into all the food outlets she comes across that serves Gluten Free Food, ask for their disclaimers and claims of 100% Gluten Free. Post them and maybe create a movement, form an organisation. Vote with her feet and stay away from food outlets that advertise Gluten Free Food if she isn’t satisfied.
That’s what most of us do.

Lauren February 9, 2010 at 5:59 pm

I have family members who are Coeliac and have extremely severe reactions. So severe that we would be concerned for their life.
GF sausages cooked on a barbeque that has had normal sausages cooked on them before are a definate no-no, as well as a coffee sitting in the same vicinity as other cappacino’s being dusted with chocolate dust.

I agree that things are either GF or not GF.

I suppose it depends on whether a person is on the severe end of the spectrum like my family members or just ‘gluten intolerant’.

Many people are just gluten intolerant, and I chuckle when they claim they have a severe reaction to gluten (after watching them eat a ‘GF’ cupcake with normal hundred and thousands sprinkled on top!!).

I suggest, just dont bother with Dominoes – homemade pizzas are always better anyway !!!

Mary February 10, 2010 at 9:07 am

Ann, your tone is supercilious and patronising. But you probably know that.

Marie February 10, 2010 at 10:31 am

I think this is a general GF question, nothing to do with anything but its the easiest place I thought to put it: a lot of commercial cheeses (including those used in restaurants) use an anti-caking agent. Goes that affect whether it’s GF?

And Ann – I have no idea what your point it. I don’t think you do either.

Veronica February 10, 2010 at 11:27 am

Marie – It depends on the type of anti-caking agent. I would be asking to see packets and ingredient lists first personally.

Judy Haley - CoffeeJitters.Net February 14, 2010 at 7:07 pm

I’m allergic to shellfish, but you’d think that ordering from the vegetarian menu at an Asian restaurant would be safe. Not true. Unfortunately, I have learned from experience that even when ordering a vegetarian dish, I have to double check with the server to make sure it’s not made with oyster sauce.

Erin Devey February 16, 2010 at 5:25 pm

IDIOTS! It is hard enough to eat out as a Coeliac without stupid stuff like this!

Ann Campbell February 20, 2010 at 1:51 pm

As a cross reference is, frogpondsrock your Mother ??? You have something on your sleepless site that suggests that “This site is a fellow Judge” Do you need to post a disclaimer if you are related??? Work for the same company!!! She did post re the Domino’s issue that “Veronica is on her soap box again” So one can assume that there is a connection. Me thinks….

Becky February 20, 2010 at 2:39 pm

OMG!!!! The secret is out! Quick, women and children escape first!

Ann, frogpondsrock is Veronica’s mother. She says it about, oh… I dunno. 3-4 times a week. It’s plastered everywhere, on both of their sites.

On the other hand… I have the most fantastic piece of real estate for sale. The house has a west-facing porch with a spectacular ocean view, and when the sun sets it lights up the saguaros in the most beautiful way imaginable….. Interested?

Veronica February 20, 2010 at 3:31 pm

Ann – why yes, she is my mother. And yes, I do need to let people know if she is helping me judge something.

frogpondsrock February 20, 2010 at 4:13 pm

@Ann Campbell and your point is?

stuart barnes March 12, 2010 at 11:27 am

Good on Dominos for having a go. A great first step, maybe a couple small steps to go… But if this is the type of reaction I wouldn’t be surprised if Dominos just pulls the pin – pretty obvious why they put a disclaimer on it, with the pack mob of bush lawyers ready to sue at the hint of a trace of gluten. With behaviour like this, don’t expect any other companies to have a serious attempt anytime soon.

frogpondsrock March 12, 2010 at 5:57 pm

@ stuart barnes. No where in this post was there any stated intention of suing Domino’s, that is entirrely your take on the matter.

The whole point is that, you cant say something is gluten free if it isn’t gluten free. That is an incredibly incredibly simple concept to understand.

Kelly March 31, 2010 at 7:59 pm

Dominos, It’s Simple

Just don’t promote the product as being gluten free at all. Let coeliacs discover for themselves in the allergen listing statements that one of the bases is gluten free. That was how I initially found out long before it was advertised. I am coeliac.

This will prevent a whole lot of problems. Maybe give the gluten free base a different name (such as GF, or the “hard” base if you want to be groovy) and perhaps don’t even use the term ‘gluten free’ anywhere. The general public is not interested in this. You might even find non-coeliacs may buy this base making it an even better seller to the public.

I would advise that you should probably not even mention the word ‘gluten’ if there is not a 100% guarantee that the entire pizza is gluten free

kiwipride April 11, 2010 at 8:40 am

Lol! The problem here is that those ‘uneducated’ coeliac suffers who blindly trust large companies would think that they are fine eating dominos GF pizzas. I personally find the Coeliac Sociaty to me a very weak organization anyway. (they are getting ready to agree to the food industry allowing “small traces” of gluten to be labelled GF).

Veronica, Us educated sufferers will be fine, but what happens to all those who aren’t?

Keep up the good fight!

Amy April 26, 2010 at 4:19 am

I’m allergic to soy as well as coeliac can’t have the pizzas because the gluten free base has SOY FLOUR in it. Darn!!! I’m REALLY looking forward to finding a place who’s gluten free bases are also soy free. Seems like soy is added to just about every gluten free bread based product around!!! Thats my issue.

I have a significantly more restrictive gluten free diet than many others as I DO react to products even ones that contain gluten in minuscule amounts. My reaction to wheat-derived glucose syrup in products has been NOTICEABLE!!! It’s just like the LECITHIN derived from soy. Tests reveal that both these ingredients rarely detect protein content in these ingredients, however I have been told to stay away from them as people can apparently be far more sensitive than testing methods.

The Coeliac Society is probably only looking at what most coeliacs are okay with and not necessarily what works for everyone.

As such my diet has been EXTREMELY restrictive!

Please provide me with some views on this topic. I would never begin with dominoes and I entirely agree with what Kelly had to say. ENTIRELY!!!

Ann Campbell May 28, 2010 at 9:09 pm

Amy I think you should contact your local Coeliac society for this kind of information.
I have just received my latest copy of The Australian Coeliac (incase some people on this blog aren’t members)
Page 9 CONGRATULATIONS DOMINO’S
Thank goodness for privacy laws and that Irene had the ability as a Coeliac to choose a pizza that she could enjoy. I doubt that she wrote the letter before eating. Thank goodness for the Irene’s who allow us to educate mainstream environments how to cater for Coeliacs around the world.

Kim (frogponsrock) May 28, 2010 at 9:22 pm

@ Ann Campbell, I really want some of what you are on woman, because seriously you make less and less sense with every comment you leave here.

Ann Campbell May 28, 2010 at 9:41 pm

Kim,
Amy asked a question on the 26th of April 2010 (no response from you or Veronica)
As stated I have just received in the mail my subscribed copy of The Australian Coeliac and posted a comment from a member in relation to Domino’s Gluten Free Pizza (I am sorry if you have moved on from the topic) however, your daughter posted the topic. I follow a Gluten Free Diet as a Coeliac and am not on any medication that would alter my ability to function.

Veronica May 28, 2010 at 9:53 pm

Ann, Amy and I continued our conversation via email for a while. Also you’ll notice comments have recently been reopened, they were closed (on all posts over 30 days old) due to spam.

Ann Campbell May 28, 2010 at 9:56 pm

Kim,
Just answer Amy’s question even if you don’t like my comments.

Veronica May 28, 2010 at 10:03 pm

Ann, as it’s my blog, not Kim’s, it’s my perogative to reply to comments. And I did, via email with Amy when she posted the comment.

Ann Campbell May 28, 2010 at 10:07 pm

Wow! So it’s all good for you.
Can we all see your response PLEASE
.

Veronica May 28, 2010 at 10:13 pm

Ann, I no longer have a record of my responses to Amy. And I’m not in the habit of sharing private email conversations anyway. As I recall, we discussed her difficulties in finding soy and gluten free food and I commiserated, knowing that soy is in so many things.

Kelly May 29, 2010 at 5:13 am

Glad to see this discussion was re-opened.

Why on earth does dominos mention the words “gluten free”? in fact why do they mention the word “gluten” at all? Why do they promote it in any such way if they can’t guarantee it is gluten free? It just doesn’t make sense.

It would be far more sensible for them to not even mention the term “gluten” at all. Name the gluten free base the “hard” base or “tough” base or something groovy like “hardcore” base. Coeliacs can discover for themselves and find this info in the dominos allergen listing where it could say “base – hardcore” and then without a tick in the gluten containing cereals column. There is also a disclaimer at the bottom of the allergen listing. I feel that if dominoes do it this way, the (“glutenfree” *ssssshhhhhh quiet*) “hardcore” base would probably be chosen by more non-celiac individuals.

What do you think about this idea?

Veronica May 29, 2010 at 1:32 pm

Kelly – It’s not a bad idea, however it would leave dominos without an advertising campaign!

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