GLUTEN All Furmano Foods products are Naturally Free of Gluten.   Right now, there is not an FDA regulation defining or governing the use of the term “gluten-free.”  Under a proposed rule, expected in August 2008, “FDA defines ‘gluten’ as proteins that occur naturally in a “prohibited grain” and that may cause adverse health effects in those with celiac disease.”  Prohibited grains are those originating from wheat, rye, barley and crossbred hybrids of them.

Q.   What is Gluten? A.  Gluten is a Protein found naturally in wheat, rye and barley; including all products using wheat, rye and barley in their formulation.  Gluten is responsible for the elasticity of kneaded dough and the ‘chewiness’ of baked products.   Q.   Why should I be concerned? A.   Most people have nothing to be concerned about, however there is a percentage of the population that suffer from Gluten intolerance (the inability of the body to digest or break down gluten).  The condition can range from a mild sensitivity to gluten to full-blown celiac disease.  In celiac disease, the body produces antibodies to attack the gluten; those antibodies also attack and damage the lining of the small intestine, resulting in immediate gastrointestinal symptoms.  Left untreated, celiac disease and gluten intolerance can lead to serious, long-term problems associated with nutrient loss and related deficiency diseases.

GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA CRUST RECIPE ¾ cup brown or white rice flour 1/3 cup potato starch 1 teaspoon sugar 1 ½ teaspoons guar gum 1 ½ teaspoons yeast ½ teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ¾ cup water 1 teaspoon cider vinegar 1 tablespoon oil Mix all dry ingredients – rice flour, potato starch, sugar, guar gum, yeast, sea salt and oregano.  In an electric mixer bowl, combine water, vinegar and oil.  Slowly add dry ingredients.  Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes.  Shape onto pizza pan.  Bake in a 400-degree oven for 10 minutes.   Place prebaked crust on a baking sheet.  Spread with Furmano’s Original Pizza Sauce; top with cheese and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees.