Talking Allergies

I noticed the other day that Dare's "Simple Pleasures Almond" cookies state on the box that they are produced in a nut-free/peanut-free facility, but almond extract is listed in the middle of the ingredients.

I'm new to nut allergies. How does almond extract fall under "nut free"? My daughter has a severe cashew allergy and she accidentally ate a little marzipan on the weekend, which cause a very minor reaction (I'm thinking because she spit it out as soon as she felt it tingle in her mouth).

http://www.darefoods.com/Products/Cookies/Simple_Pleasures/simple_pleasures_almond.aspx

Thanks in advance!

B.

The French Creams have coconuts and have the same labelling. I know, I find that strange too. Unless almond is not considered a nut technically like coconut isn't.

I once called to ask about McCormick's almond extract---the 'natural flavouring' is extracted from peach pits or something else...don't recall what.

I searched Dare's site and couldn't find any info specific about the almond extract. So I've sent them an e-mail, and I'll let you know when I hear back from them.

Lisa, after reading your post (which was after I sent the e-mail) I do recall hearing that Dare also uses peach pits for the almond flavour. I completely forgot about that.

Isn't it nice when a company responds quickly.

I admit I don't understand all of this, but here's what the e-mail said:

They have a guarantee from their supplier,



In addition, they (DARE) also use the Neogen Veratox test kit for Almond protein and have used it to test the extract ingredient as well as testing the cookies. Both were below 2.5 ppm.

I don't know anything about the test. I don't know what 2.5 ppm means - other then that it means it passed the test. Apparently this test is also used by the CFIA. I know there are companies that test their product for peanut protein and it has to pass the test to be able to put *peanut free* on the label. I'm thinking it might be time to do a little research into some of these tests.

I want a home-kit.

I want a home-kit too. That means you could now eat out and your kit would tell you if the food is peanut free or other allergen free.

Lovely thought young vader - but it's not available for public as far as I know.

I was speaking to a guy in the states, he owns a company and he gets the foods tested for peanut and gluten. It's not cheap. I don't think he has a kit - he sends it to a university (and they probably have the kit. ).

But, the technology is out there for testing. It's in use. So, eventually someone will decide to mass market it.

I had a dream...

Thanks for all the information! I couldn't figure out how almond extract could be nut free but it makes sense to me now.

Thanks again!

Boy, this realy makes me want to go out and buy something from Dare!
It sounds like they really get the allergy thing.

Dare really does seem to get it. They even won an award for it.

http://www.darefoods.com/AboutDare/press03012005.aspx

http://www.darefoods.com/aboutdare/press06212004.aspx

Just for your information - Dare now makes all the Girl Guide cookies in their peanut/nut free plant. They will be using up the old packaging, but the new packaging will actually state that it's produced in a peanut/nut free facility. (There was an article in my local paper recently about this.)

Edited to add: I found out that ppm stands for "parts per million". My husband measures gases in the air, and they use the same term. And since they test the extract, then only a bit of that would be put in a batch of cookies - that sounds pretty good.

Thanks for all of the info Anna Marie, your time and energy is much appreciated!
It's great to sit down and read these message boards, I'm amazed at how much I've learned! Although I don't often buy a lot of "processed sugary treats" for my son, it's good to know that on the occasion that we do indulge, he's got another "treat" option in Dare products! It's really comforting to see manufacturers making changes!