Recent studies have shown that those with coeliac disease and on a gluten-free diet can safely consume pure oats. A test on the gluten content of oats grown in Canada, carried out by the Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, has found that 88% of the 133 oat samples tested were heavily contaminated with gluten, above 20mg kg. Only one variety was shown to be completely free of all contamination, and since the researchers were unable to determine the point of contamination, whether it be cross-contamination in the field, in transport, storage or milling, the study shows that only certified ‘pure’ oats are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Source: Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A
Click here for more research on causes of coeliac disease
