CELIAC ALERT: Have ‘Gluten-Free’ Cheerios Made You Sick?

“Of late, there are many reports on social media of people becoming sick after eating gluten-free labeled Cheerios. In fairness, there are reasons why people might be having gastrointestinal symptoms that have nothing to do with gluten contamination. These reasons may include an increase in fiber intake due to overzealous Cheerios consumption or an inability to tolerate oats especially if this is the first time oats have been added to the diet since a diagnosis of celiac disease. Regardless, each and every report of adverse reactions to gluten-free labeled Cheerios should be taken seriously.”

“On Monday and Tuesday of this week Gluten Free Watchdog (GFWD) sent a compilation of detailed illness reports related to Cheerios consumption to the [United States] FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in Massachusetts, the Director of Food Labeling and Standards at FDA, and the Deputy Commissioner for Foods at FDA.

FDA is now aware of the situation. If you believe you became ill after eating Cheerios, FDA is asking that you contact FDA’s MEDWATCH, the Adverse Event Reporting System. You can do this online www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home or via phone (800) 332-1088. Choose option #4 to speak to a representative.”

[In Canada, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency 1-800-442-2342 / 1-613-225-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 08:00 to 20:00 Eastern time, Monday to Friday https://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/report-a-concern/eng/1364500149016/1364500195684]

While consumers are being encouraged to contact both General Mills and FDA, reporting to the FDA may seem cumbersome to some people. Gluten Free Watchdog is compiling reports of illness from consumers who believe they have become sick after eating gluten-free Cheerios. We will be submitting this information to the FDA. The information submitted to Gluten Free Watchdog will remain private and will be provided only to FDA.” 

If you believe you or a family member has become sick after eating gluten-free Cheerios, please send Gluten Free Watchdog an email that includes the following information (info@glutenfreewatchdog.org):

• Contact information: name and email address
• Name of product
• Product photos: Gluten-free label declaration, Best By Date, Lot Number, UPC Code
• Expiration or Use By Date
• Lot #
• Date of purchase
• Weight of product
• How much product was consumed
• Date used
• Date discontinued use
• Who became sick in your family
• Adverse effects
• Did you contact a medical care provider about this issue
• Have you been medically diagnosed with celiac disease
• Have you been medically diagnosed with gluten sensitivity
• Do you usually tolerate gluten-free oats
• Is this your first time eating gluten-free oats since being diagnosed with celiac disease/gluten sensitivity

*************