Gluten Problems

Think this is safe? Think Again.

Today I stumbled across a "Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free" discussion forum, and the users brought up an aspect of cross-contamination I hadn't considered before: people with severe gluten problems are at risk of an allergic reaction as well. Even if the customer tries to steer clear of bread, ordering a sandwich instead, there's still a pretty good chance that some bread crumbs will fall into the salad, or that the knife or gloves used during preparation have touched bread. One user, RiceAddict, writes:

"There are only 2 fast food chains in my small town, McDonalds and Subway. Only a couple days after I was diagnosed I decided to try a salad at Subway. Not knowing then what I know now about cross-contamination I thought I was fine. In reality, they mixed the salad and chopped the veggies on the same surface used to prepare subs. They also used the same knife. I don't recall if the server changed plastic gloves or not, I'm doubting it. Now that I know more about what I am doing I don't go near there. Maybe tunafish or other locations have more gluten-free safe preparation, but I have to agree with others that it probably isn't the best choice for lunch."

Another user agreed, writing, "One of the things that was hardest to let go of was Subway salads. I loved them so much. Way too many bread crumbs everywhere though. I went in with new eyes and gave a good look at the preparation area, and after watching them make a couple sandwiches and watching how stuff just got flung everywhere I walked out, and haven't been back in a subway since." (http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/lofiversion/index.php/t28697.html)


Several forum posters mentioned that they no longer eat at Subway because of this risk. That's right, managers: you're LOSING money because your employees won't watch out for stray bread crumbs.