New GF FDA Regulations Effective Today

New FDA Regulations Effective Today The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is happy to report that all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated products produced on August 5th, 2014 or later, and that claim to be "gluten-free", are required to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. Products that are produced on, or after, this date must meet the definition laid out by the FDA regulation or they will be considered misbranded.  Essentially this means that if a FDA-regulated product is labeled "gluten-free" and has a production date of August 5, 2014 or later, it is considered safe to consume. The rule also applies to the terms "no gluten", "free of gluten", and "without gluten". This is great news for the gluten-free consumer and should make label-reading even easier. Consumers will still need to be careful as the regulation is voluntary. Manufacturers may still produce a gluten-free product but choose not to label it as "gluten-free". For products which are neither certified nor labeled "gluten-free", it is essential to read the ingredient list. It is important to remember that "wheat-free" is not the same as "gluten-free". Ingredients that are not gluten-free and should raise a red flag to you, the consumer, include: Wheat (including all types of wheat such as spelt) Rye Barley Oats (unless specifically labelled gluten-free) Malt Brewer's yeast Note that products manufactured before August 5, 2014 may still be on retail shelves after that date. These products were not required to comply with the regulation. This means that there is a possibility that some products will still be on the shelf on August 5th that do not meet the regulation definition. Should the manufactured date not be listed on the package, consumers can confirm production date by contacting the manufacturer.  These changes will also apply to dietary supplements but not to prescription or over-the-counter medications. Restaurant foods are also not covered by this new regulation but the FDA is encouraging the restaurant industry to move towards similar, consistent, gluten-free labeling. The safest consumer decision will be to look for the GFCO Certified Gluten-Free logo on the product packaging. A product that carries a certification from GIG's Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is held to higher standards than those regulated by the FDA. GFCO certified items are required to have no more than 10 ppm (parts per million) of gluten in comparison to the FDA regulation which requires less than 20 ppm. All products certified by GFCO are considered safe for gluten-free consumers, regardless of the production date.

March 2014 GIG of Portland Meeting

Saturday March 8, 2014

This Saturday we have the honor of welcoming cookbook author Patricia Harrington who wrote The Petite Assiette: Simple Gluten-Free Baking. 

Patricia Harrington is a gluten-free cook and baker living in Portland, Oregon. She grew up in central California in a family of foodies; both her Mother and Grandmother were published cooks known for their recipes. Her Grandfather, also a published chef, was a hot sauce entrepreneur in Santa Barbara, California. 

Over the years Patricia has worked for popular catering companies in Portland, Oregon and in Santa Barbara. She has owned several small catering companies, including an on-site food service for film crews. In her most recent venture, La Petite Assiette, the small plate, Patricia prepared delicious dishes to compliment the weekly wine tasting in a Portland wine bar. 

The chefs and their cookbooks that have most influenced her approach to cooking include James Beard, Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, Graham Kerr, Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver and Alice Waters, as well as the wonderful women in her family who always put a fresh tasty meal on the table. 

Travels through France and Spain and a love of the fresh produce of the Pacific Northwest have influenced and inspired Patricia to blend the sophistication of city meals with the ease of country cooking while making it all gluten-free. 

The results are the wonderful recipes in this book! Patricia can be reached at: lapetiteassiette@gmail.com

MEETING LOCATION: 
Providence Portland Medical Center
4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 215-1111

Still every 2nd Saturday, 10am to noon.

Prov Portland in the basement classrooms #2 & #3
PPMC (Providence Portland Medical Center), Health Center Classrooms 2 & 3 on the lower level (officially: PPMC HCC 2,3)

Park on the 2nd floor of the free parking garage. Walk towards the main hospital (NOT the Professional Plaza with the private practices). Take the pedestrian covered glassed-in bridge over to the hospital to the west. Take the elevator downstairs. We are straight down the hall.

MAY 14th: SUPPORT GROUP

Don't forget the support group meeting is tomorrow!

Speaker: Joshua Patterson (http://www.learnhowtobeprepared.com/)
Topic: Joshua will demonstrate Emergency Preparedness for the gluten-free family. Have you thought what you would eat if an emergency arose?
Samples: Mariam MacDermott of Fairy Cakes will come and sample her decadent gluten-free cupcakes.

Meeting times are from 10:00am-12:00pm

Legacy Emanuel Hospital
2801 N Gantenbein Ave.
Portland, OR. 07227-1623
(503)413-2200
Room: E-1075/1077

Portland GIG Support Group Activities & Calendar for the Spring Quarter

In case you haven't had a chance to stop by our blog in person and only get your updates through a feeder, here's what's going on with the Portland GIG support group for the Spring quarter. Remember you can always find this information quick and easy in the right hand side bar of our blog.

MARCH 12th: SUPPORT GROUP

Speaker: The New Seasons nutrition team

Topic: Karen Seibert, Christi Reed and Leah Kriewall, will come to present information on whole food nutrition and grain free meal ideas. Easy cooking demo, recipes and snacks provided.

Speaker: Tarte Desserts and Bakery

Topic: Phoenix Rainbird will come to sample and sell her breads and baked items from her dedicated gluten-free, soy-free facility in Eugene.

APRIL 9th: SUPPORT GROUP

Speaker: Jensen’s Bread and Bakeries

Topic: Owner, Dave Jensen will talk about the work behind the GF buns now at McMenamins’ hotels and pubs, and other restaurants and colleges in town. Jensen’s is a wholesale bakery creating the flexible and soft GF buns, Better Buns.

Samples: Jovial Pasta, a new gluten-free pasta from five-generation Tuscan Italian artisanal pasta makers made with brown rice will be sampled.

Willamette Valley Confectionary will sample their chocolates and candy, made from gluten-free ingredients including local nuts, berries, cream and butter.

MAY 14th: SUPPORT GROUP

Speakers: Ray & Mary Wilke

Topic: The Wilkes will demonstrate Emergency Preparedness for the gluten-free family. Have you thought what you would eat if an emergency arose?

Samples: Mariam MacDermott of Fairy Cakes will come and sample her decadent gluten-free cupcakes.

GLUTEN FREE GATHERING

There will be no quarterly Gluten Free Gathering this time around due to the large amount of work and attention that the food fair takes up. We look forward to holding another gathering sometime after June. Look here for the next date!

APRIL 6th: CORE COMMITTEE MEETING

Portland Metro GIG core group meeting. Come be involved in the planning of our GIG group, GF food fair and other activities. 6:30pm at the Berlin Inn, 3131 SE 12th & Powell in Portland, near the Aladdin Theater.

APRIL 16th: GIFTS MEETING

GIFTS (Gluten Intolerant Families Teamwork and Support) meeting for gluten-intolerant children and their families. The meetings will be held from 2 to 4 PM at the home of Wendy Cohan, RN. GIFTS meetings are every other month, even months, on the 3rd Saturday of the month.

LOCATION: 6108 NE 45th Ave, Portland OR 97218.

This is 1 block East of Fernhill Park, on 45th between Ainsworth and Holman.

THEME: Easter and Spring

SPEAKER: Children's allergy-free, gluten-free baking with guest speaker and baker, Mariam McDermott from Fairy Cakes.

MAY 7th: GLUTEN FREE FOOD FAIR

Held this year at All Saints Catholic Church in the gym. Find the church on the corner of NE 39th and NE Glisan. 11am to 2pm. For more details please visit the Gluten Free Food Fair tab at the top right hand side of our blog. Hope to see you there!

December holiday meeting/social

Instead of our December meeting, the Portland-metro GIG will have a holiday party at Pastini Pastaria at Bridgeport Village.
The lunch will be Saturday December 11 from 12 noon to 2pm. 

Cash will be helpful so that we won't have to split the check so many ways.
Reservations are not necessary but would be helpful so we can have an idea of the space we will need. 

Please comment or email Kristina at kristina.squires@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

The address for Pastini Pastaria is: 7307 SW Bridgeport Rd, Tigard OR, 97224. They are located across from Crate & Barrel in the Bridgeport Village shopping center.
You can check out their website here: http://www.pastini.com/index.php
They cook a gluten-free pasta which is available on most of their menu options.  They also have a gluten-free desert option (Tarimisu), so come hungry!

Please note that this lunch is in place of our regular meeting. We will NOT be meeting at Legacy Emanuel this month.

November Support Group Meeting

Hope you can join us this Saturday, November 14th for our monthly support group meeting.
SPEAKER: Best of GF Recipes & Potluck
TOPIC: As we head into the winter holiday season, food is often at the center of gatherings and celebrations. Bring 40 copies of your favorite GF recipe and the dish all baked up to share – be it savory, sweet or unexpected. We will all get a chance to share each other's creations and take a vote for which one is best. It's a great way to expand your culinary repertoire and enjoy a friendly gathering where none of the food around is off limits.

Support Group Meeting - AUG. 14th

Don't forget! Tomorrow is the support group meeting for August. Hope to see you all there.

SPEAKER: Abby Fammartino of Abby’s Table
TOPIC: Abby began her cooking career at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York, and now runs a commercial kitchen in Portland in which she hosts weekly gluten-free and dairy-free dinners. She creates her superb line of handmade, fresh sauces, all free of gluten, dairy, soy and refined sugars. She will speak on healthy gluten free eating and her mission about the excitement, wonder and power of real foods from around the world. She will offer samples of her great Abby’s Table sauces.

Meeting times are from 10:00am-12:00pm

Legacy Emanuel Hospital
2801 N Gantenbein Ave.
Portland, OR. 07227-1623
(503)413-2200
Room: E-1075/1077

Summer 2010 Support Group Meeting Schedule

Please note that our Summer schedule for support group meeting speakers and topics is out.  Save the dates, we hope to see you there!  (You'll be able to easily find this info in the side bar at anytime)

Summer 2010 Support Group Meeting Schedule

June 12^th

SPEAKER: Mike & Maria Smith of Bavaria Mills GF Bakery

TOPIC: Mike and Maria have provided a variety of locally-made (Vancouver, WA) pizza crusts, pie crusts, hamburger buns, muffins, dinner rolls, and breads. Marie was studying to be a nutritionist and her husband, Mike, was a consultant when they both discovered they had celiac disease. After years of perfecting gluten free cooking, Marie and Mike opened Bavaria Mills. They are graciously providing samples of their wares.

July 10th

SPEAKER: Dr. Misty White and Dr. Robyn Kutka of Gluten Free Tastefully

TOPIC: Drs. White and Kutka will present on The Gluten/Hormone Connection. They will discuss the relationship between gluten and hormones and the interplay of these factors on our health. The discussion will be followed by a Q & A period. Dr. Kutka has a 6 year old son with celiac disease and Dr. White found living gluten-free to be key in her own health journey. Together they host Gluten Free Tastefully.

August 14^th

SPEAKER: Abby Fammartino of Abby’s Table

TOPIC: Abby began her cooking career at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York, and now runs a commercial kitchen in Portland in which she hosts weekly gluten-free and dairy-free dinners. She creates her superb line of handmade, fresh sauces, all free of gluten, dairy, soy and refined sugars. She will speak on healthy gluten free eating and her mission about the excitement, wonder and power of real foods from around the world. She will offer samples of her great Abby’s Table sauces.

March 13th Support Group Meeting

Don't forget tomorrow is our March support group meeting. We will be hearing from Join Dr. Stephen Wangen for a walk through his new book, Healthier Without Wheat: A New Understanding of Wheat Allergies, Celiac Disease, and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance.



We will be introduced to how and why people react to wheat and gluten, and the numerous symptoms (over 200!) that can be associated with gluten intolerance. Also discussed will be the various tests available to determine intolerance. In particular, Dr. Wangen will focus on non-celiac gluten intolerance, a highly underestimated condition.

Healthier Without Wheat will help you simplify the complex world of gluten intolerance so that you can determine whether or not gluten is affecting your health. This thorough, yet easy to read book will give you a better appreciation for the wide range of issues and symptoms related to gluten intolerance, and provide insight for screening and diagnosing this now common condition. An excellent resource for anyone new to wheat intolerances as well as those experienced with living wheat-free.

Dr. Wangen will be available following each talk to answer questions, meet guests, and sign copies of his book.

TIME:
10am to Noon

LOCATION:
Legacy Emanuel Hospital
2801 N Gantenbein Ave. Portland, OR 97227-1623
(503) 413-2200
Room: E1075/1077

Dr. Wangen to speak in March

“HEALTHIER WITHOUT WHEAT”

Dr. Stephen Wangen, the Gluten Free Doctor to speak in Western Oregon

March 2010

Join Dr. Stephen Wangen for a walk through his new book, Healthier Without Wheat: A New Understanding of Wheat Allergies, Celiac Disease, and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance.

Guests to any one of these talks will be introduced to how and why people react to wheat and gluten, and the numerous symptoms (over 200!) that can be associated with gluten intolerance. Also discussed will be the various tests available to determine intolerance. In particular, Dr. Wangen will focus on non-celiac gluten intolerance, a highly underestimated condition.

Healthier Without Wheat will help you simplify the complex world of gluten intolerance so that you can determine whether or not gluten is affecting your health. This thorough, yet easy to read book will give you a better appreciation for the wide range of issues and symptoms related to gluten intolerance, and provide insight for screening and diagnosing this now common condition. An excellent resource for anyone new to wheat intolerances as well as those experienced with living wheat-free.

Dr. Wangen will be available following each talk to answer questions, meet guests, and sign copies of his book.
Western Oregon Speaking Engagements, March 2010

Eugene, OR
Thursday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.
Lakewood Clubhouse, 1800 Lakewood Court
Contact: Diane Connely, dianecon@comcast.net or 541-343-0459

Salem, OR
Friday, March 12, 6:00 p.m.
Marco Polo Global Restaurant, 300 Liberty Street, Pringle Park Plaza
Dinner included, $15 per person. Reservations and pre-payment required.
Mail checks to: Mid-Willamette Valley GIG, P.O. Box 13886, Salem, OR 97309
Contact: Kristen Klay, kristenklay@yahoo.com or 503.581.3884
or Becky Crooke, beckycrooke@gmail.com or 503-393-2043

Portland, OR
Saturday, March 13, 10:00 a.m.
Emanuel Hospital, Room 1075
Contact: Lisa Shaver, lisashaver@yahoo.com or 503.222.1315

February Portland Metro GIG meeting

Our next Portland metro Gluten Intolerance Group meeting is on Saturday, February 13th, 10am - 12pm, in room 1075 at Emanuel Hospital. Enter through the main North entrance and find us just to the left of the information/admitting desk. Veer left past the fish tank and up the short flight of stairs. The room in on the left. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This meeting we are happy to welcome Teresa, co-founder of New Cascadia Traditional: the gluten-free artisans. She will share with us her journey on how she became the co-owner of Portland's own dedicated gluten-free bakery, and share samples of their tasty wares.

Visit the bakery on the corner of SE 6th and Market, or on the internet at http://www.newcascadiatraditional.com/about.html.

Also at New Cascadia Traditional: Join them for their gluten-free pizza night on Saturday February 6th, from 6pm - 10pm. Dine in, take out, or phone-in ourders. No reservations. First come, first serve. Tables usually easily available after 8pm. New Cascaia Trationals 503.546. 4901

Meeting this Saturday

Just a reminder that there is a meeting this Saturday, January 9 from 10 until noon. The location is Legacy Emanuel Hospital, just North of NE Broadway in room 1075 (which is just left of the main admitting desk). Bring your questions and answers as we will be having a group Q&A. Margaret (Fowler) Smith, our groups own retired Pharmacist, will discuss gluten in pharmaceuticals. We will also have some yummy products to sample.

Holiday Party and Meeting Today

It's just a little after 8 am and I hear that a few of you are wondering if we're still on for today due to the threat of snow. As of right now the roads are clear and we're still planning on meeting. If anything changes I'll be sure to update this post. If the weather turns bad while we're meeting we may cut it short so that people can travel home safely. Thanks and hope to see you there!

GIG Holiday 2009 Newsletter

For those members who subscribe to the newsletter please note it should be mailed today. However, it will be going out late. We've had a year of printing difficulties and are looking into sourcing a new printer. If you're a subscriber and would like a .pdf* version of Holiday 2009 Newsletter please e-mail me at: GIG_Membership@hotmail.com

*Please note you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to see this file. You can down load the reader for free HERE.

GLUTEN FREE THANKSGIVING POTLUCK

GLUTEN FREE THANKSGIVING POTLUCK

Saturday, November 21st, noon-2pm

at First Baptist Church, McMinnville

125 SE Cowls Street, McMinnville

View Larger Map

 Sponsored by Gluten Free Friends (McMinnville GIG) and Portland Metro GIG

WE PROVIDE:  Turkey, ham, bread, beverages, plates, cups, utensils, etc.

      Rolls donated this year by Cascadia Traditional Bakery!

YOU BRING: A Gluten Free side (stuffing, potatoes, veggies), Salad, or a Dessert

       ALSO BRING 40 copies of your recipe with ingredients and directions!

We would appreciate an RSVP so we can plan, but everyone including families are welcome.  It's a potluck where you don't have to ask which dishes are gluten free because they ALL are!

To RSVP or for more information:

email susan.chambers@linfield.edu or call 503-435-9952

October Support Group Meeting - Room Number

A message from the co-branch manager:

Hello all,

Because of the good turn out last month, they (the hospital) have offered a room that will hold a similar size.

Here is the room number for our October meeting: M.O.B. East.

This stands for Medical Office Building, East. The address is 501 N. Graham, which is on the Atrium side of the building. There is a driveway to the entrance of the Atrium from N. Graham, and the conference room is on the South side of the driveway. If you drive through the drop off to the Atrium, the atrium is on your right and the conference rooms are on the left, towards the parking structure. Closer to parking, a bit trickier to find.

There will be a person posted by the doors of meeting room 1077/1075 where we met last month, *and* at the entrance to the Atrium to point people in the right direction, as they enter the atrium.

If you mapquest/google 502 N. Graham, it puts you right at the room MOB East.

~Lisa Shaver

GIVE-AWAY!

We would love to hear from you the Grain Damaged readers! The core committee is talking about our annual holiday party in December and we'd like know what you think.

1. Would you like to have this party
a.) In the afternoon as we have in the past?
b.) in the evening?

2. We've always had on the same Saturday as our support group meeting. Does this work better for you or we're also considering a mid-week evening soiree. Preference?

3. Would you be willing to drive at night or in inclement weather?

4. Is there a favorite affordable restaurant that you like to eat at that could host a large group... preferably with a quasi private room?

Please leave a comment and let us know what would work best for you! Everyone who pipes up will get their name entered into a give-away for a box of these yummy treats! I'll draw the name next monday and announce the lucky winner.


Stay tuned too! We'll be doing a give-away every month.

Support Group Meeting Location is Moving THIS SATURDAY!

Don't forget this is the month we move our meeting location! We will no longer be meeting at the Legacy Meridian Park Hospital in Tualatin but instead will meet at

Legacy Emanuel Hospital (Click for directions)

2801 N Gantenbein Ave. Portland, OR 97227-1623

(503) 413-2200

Room: E1075/1077

The room number for Sept. and Nov’s meeting is E1075/1077. Oct. is TBD.

The conference room is to the left of the main lobby (Admitting), with the comfy chairs and aquarium, on the North side of the building. We have this reserved for 9/12 and 11/14. We are trying to reserve a room next to it for October, and are in the midst of filling out paperwork for the second Saturdays in 2010 to secure a single room location.

SEPTEMBER MEETING - SATURDAY the 12th from 10am to 12 noon:

Speaker: Virgo & Pisces Restaurant

Topic: Food Samples and general questions

Support Group Meeting Location is Moving!!

Don't forget this is the month we move our meeting location! We will no longer be meeting at the Legacy Meridian Park Hospital in Tualatin but instead will meet at

Legacy Emanuel Hospital (Click for directions)
2801 N Gantenbein Ave. Portland, OR 97227-1623
(503) 413-2200
Room: E1075/1077

The room number for Sept. and Nov’s meeting is E1075/1077. Oct. is TBD.
The conference room is to the left of the main lobby (Admitting), with the comfy chairs and aquarium, on the North side of the building. We have this reserved for 9/12 and 11/14. We are trying to reserve a room next to it for October, and are in the midst of filling out paperwork for the second Saturdays in 2010 to secure a single room location.

SEPTEMBER MEETING - SATURDAY the 12th from 10am to 12 noon:
Speaker: Virgo & Pisces Restaurant
Topic: Food Samples and general questions

Mentoring Program - Connecting Newly Diagnosed with one-on-one help

Do you remember the first few months after being diagnosed with celiac disease? Navigating the scary grocery store with no idea what was okay to buy or eat, going through your kitchen and learning that even your pans were not safe to eat out of any longer? The Portland GIG group is in the process of starting an outreach mentor program for newly diagnosed celiacs. We plan to have a kick off for the program at the Gluten Free 101 meeting in October.

This program is meant to give those newly diagnosed patients a head start. They will be paired up with a more knowledgable celiac or gluten intolerant to help ease them into the world of gluten-free living. They will help with figuring out what is OK to eat, how to clean out a kitchen, food shopping adventures, eating out, social events and more via one-on-one sessions, e-mail and phone calls. It is an individual run support system that will provide answers to questions and emotions that occur during the transition to gluten-free.

Since Portland GIG is in the process of getting the program started up, we are in search of people willing to be mentors for newly diagnosed celiac patients, or those starting a strict gluten free diet.

If you are interested please contact Kristina Squires at:
Phone: 208-484-0544
E-mail: Kristina.squires@gmail.com

The commitment for the volunteer mentor position will be a training session as well as varying hours a week in communication with a new celiac.

If you are new to the diet and would like to be set up with a mentor, please be patient. I am currently getting this program up and running and it should be launching in October. At this point if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact me.

~ Kristina Squires