Reply From Heinz Re: Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 8:24 pm

I wrote Heinz to ask if the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce contains soy. They clearly state that it doesn't contain gluten, but say nothing about soy. Here is their response:

Because we understand how difficult it is for consumers with food allergies to find 'safe' processed foods, we clearly list the FDA Top 8 Major Allergens on our ingredient panels if they are included in our products.

The FDA specifies the Top 8 Major Allergens are as follows: Soy; Wheat; Peanuts; Eggs; Dairy; Tree Nuts; Shellfish & Crustaceans; and Fish.

Currently, these ingredients are listed specifically within our ingredient statements. They are also called out in bold print underneath the ingredient statement. Older packaging will only reflect these allergens within the ingredient statement itself (rather than reiterating the information in bold print).

Because recipes are not patentable, the terms 'natural flavorings' and 'spices' refers to dried spices which are not disclosed on the label for proprietary reasons. Unfortunately, if you are allergic to an ingredient other than those specifically declared, we are not able to disclose whether your ingredient is being used in the recipe, and therefore suggest that you avoid using this product.

However, if you would like to have your physician fax us a request on their letterhead with a contact phone number detailing the specific ingredient(s) in question. They can fax that request to: (412) 237-5291.

Thank you for your interest in Heinz products.

Heinz Consumer Resource Center

Does this mean that if the product contained soy, it would be listed? I can't believe that they expect me to get my GI to fax them a letter if I want information about the natural flavorings and spices.

Gloria

Post by **tex** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:13 pm

Gloria,

Yes, soy would have to be specifically listed, if it were used in the product. The eight required disclosures cannot be "hidden" in "natural flavorings", nor in any other ambiguous group, as they used to be.

That business about asking your doctor to fax a request on his/her letterhead, including your doctor's phone number, (so that they can waste his time on a phone call, for something that could be easily handled with a fax or an e-mail), is just plain asinine.

In fact, that entire e-mail strikes me as having a somewhat condescending tone, (as if they're not interested in selling anything to anyone with "food allergies". Maybe it's just me, though.

Tex

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:26 pm

I guess I'm suspicious about labels on foods made in foreign countries ever since you told me about the Ritter chocolate. I ate Trader Joe's chocolate yesterday and the day before. I'm having a little reaction and I was trying to determine if it was from the worcestershire sauce or the Trader Joe's chocolate. Neither label lists soy as an ingredient. Who can we really trust?

Gloria

Post by **tex** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:04 pm

Gloria wrote:Who can we really trust?

When you put it in those terms, no one, really. The thing is, all these labeling requirements are just requirements. IOW, just because a manufacturer certifies the ingredient list on a package to be an accurate and true representation of the package's contents, does not constitute proof that it is indeed accurate. The label is simply the manufacturer's certification of accuracy. Testing is not required, though some companies certainly do their own random testing. I doubt that the FDA ever checks compliance, without the encouragement provided by a bunch of complaints. If enough complaints pour in, then they may get around to checking out a product, eventually, depending on the seriousness of the complaint. Some consumer protection groups occasionally do random compliance checks, and the State Offices of the Department of Agriculture, do regular compliance checks of animal feed products, but to be honest, outside of a few State Health Department random checks of certain facilities, I'm not sure that most processed foods intended for human consumption are ever checked for compliance, unless prompted by a lot of consumer complaints.

IOW, we have to take their word on it, and hope for the best.

Tex

G'ma Mary · Post by **G'ma Mary** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:16 pm

I guess all this is a good reason to purchase only unprocessed ingredients and do all our own cooking! I'd like to be able to say that is what I do, but, unfortunately it is not true. However, I do do most of my own cooking, and I'm really happy that I like doing that and that I am capable of it.

G'ma Mary

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:57 pm

I do almost all of my own cooking, including rice milk, Ghee, bread and mayonnaise, but it's pretty difficult to make your own condiments, such as catsup and mustard. I've looked at catsup recipes made from fresh tomatoes and they must be cooked for several hours for it to turn into a paste. I do can my own tomatoes and tomato juice, cherries, green beans (for DH), potatoes, plums, etc. I think I can safely state that I make most of my foods from scratch. I even grind my own flours.

I've made Dee's mock soy sauce, but was hoping I could avoid having to make her Worcestershire sauce, which requires making the mock soy sauce first.

Even the unprocessed foods that we purchase can be suspect, such as rice. Enriched rice usually has a glutenous coating to add the vitamins. Yet enriched rice doesn't say it has gluten. We learn about those types of pitfalls only by educating ourselves through sites such as this. That's why I posted the response I received from Heinz. In addition, many manufacturers post a disclaimer on a product, such as GF flours, stating that they are manufactured on equipment that also processes foods for which we have intolerances. We take our chances when we eat those foods, too.

The bottom line is that when we eat anything, we are taking a chance. We can minimize the possibility that we will have a reaction, but until we actually try it, we have to either rely on others experiences or our own.

crranch · Post by **crranch** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:05 am

That answer from Heinz was the same snippy one that I received a while back when I asked them about soy in one of their other products...wish they were a little more supportive of those with food issues....

Hugs,
C

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 2:34 pm

I checked out the website for Lea & Perrins and "you can't fix stupid!!!"
Why would they even have a sentence stating that if you have any questions pertaining to food allergies, etc.., contact them?????????
Then give a response to Gloria like that??????
I don't believe that Lea & Perrins contains soy.
Let me do a little more investigating!!!

Love
Dee~~~~

crranch · Post by **crranch** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 5:07 pm

Go get them Kitchen Hero Dee....if they are soy free, it would be an added bonus, but it would still bother me to give a company like that my money....

Hugs,
C

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 5:48 pm

I have a recipe to make your own, but I don't know how many would want to fuss with it, plus it won't keep very long.

Love
Dee~~~~

G'ma Mary · Post by **G'ma Mary** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:44 pm

Hi all;

I have to say that, since I only deal with gluten and I can eat soy, I had a much different experience with Heinz.

I discovered that Boston Market has some items in the restaurant they claim to be GF. We don't have a Boston Market near here, but I have seen Boston Market frozen dinners. I wasn't aware they are owned by Heinz until I logged on to their Customer Service to ask about the frozen dinners. I did that the day before this thread began, so when I read this I was waiting to see what response I would receive. Well, the following is rather "canned" sounding, but still is more helpful than you got on the soy question. Here is their entire response:

Thank you for your interest in Heinz Products. We certainly understand how difficult it can be to find foods that meet the requirements of a restricted diet.

As you requested, the following is a listing of all of our products that do NOT have gluten containing ingredients. If the product you asked about is not on this list, then it may contain gluten containing ingredients. Also, please note that recipes can change without notice. Therefore, we recommend you always check the ingredient statement on the label.

HEINZ PRODUCTS:
Heinz BBQ Sauces (Original, Chicken & Rib, Garlic, Honey Garlic Only)
Heinz Chili Sauce
Heinz Cocktail Sauce
Heinz Horseradish Sauce
Heinz Ketchup
Heinz Organic Ketchup
Heinz Reduced Sugar Ketchup
Heinz One-Carb Ketchup
Heinz No-Sodium Added Ketchup
Heinz Hot and Spicy Ketchup Kick'rs
Heinz Mustard (All Varieties)
Heinz Pickles (All Varieties)
Heinz Peppers (All Varieties)
Heinz Relish (All Varieties)
Heinz Sloppy Joe Sauce
Heinz Tartar Sauce
Heinz Traditional Steak Sauce
Heinz Vegetarian Beans
Heinz Distilled White Vinegar
Heinz Red Wine Vinegar
Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
Heinz Apple Cider Flavored Vinegar
Heinz Red Wine Vinegar
Heinz Garlic Wine Vinegar

Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauces (Original #7, Honey Smokehouse, Hickory Brown Sugar, Spicy BBQ Only)
Jack Daniel's EZ Marinader -- Teriyaki Variety
Jack Daniel's EZ Marinader -- Garlic & Herb Variety
Jack Daniel's Steak Sauce (Both Varieties)
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
Lea & Perrins Traditional Steak Sauce
TGI Fridays Salsa (All Varieties)

CLASSICO PRODUCTS:
Classico Red Sauces (All Varieties)
Classico Alfredo Sauces (All Varieties)
Classico Pesto Sauces (All Varieties)
Classico Bruschetta (All Varieties)

DELIMEX PRODUCTS:
UPC CODE: PRODUCT NAME:
1769600012 Taquitos, 36 ct. Delimex Chicken
1769600018 Tamales, 12 ct. Delimex Beef
1769600019 Tamales, 12 ct. Delimex Chicken & Cheese
1769600024 Tamales, 6 ct. Delimex Beef
1769600028 Taquitos, 25 ct. Delimex Beef
1769600029 Taquitos, 25 ct. Delimex Chicken
1769600048 Taquitos, 36 ct. Delimex Beef
1769600095 Taquitos, 12 ct. Delimex Beef
1769600096 Taquitos, 12 ct. Delimex Chicken
1769600155 Tamales, 15 ct. Costco Beef
1769600159 Tamales, 20 ct. Delimex Beef, Costco
1769600180 Taquitos, 60 ct. Delimex Beef
1769600186 Taquitos, 60 ct. Sam's Club Beef
1769600214 Taquitos, 25 ct. Delimex 3-Cheese
1769600565 Tamales, 20 ct. Beef, Sam's Club
1769600684 Taquitos, 66 ct. Costco Beef
1769600685 Taquitos, 66 ct. Costco Chicken

ORE-IDA PRODUCTS:
UPC CODE: PRODUCT NAME:
13120XXXXX- ALL VARIETIES of Ore-Ida® Tater Tots®
1312001879 Ore-Ida® ABC Tater Tots®
1312000080 Ore-Ida Golden Patties® (9 ct.)
1312000258 Ore-Ida® Golden Fries® (32 oz.)
1312000278 Ore-Ida® Golden Fries® (5 lb.)
1312000286 Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (32 oz.)
1312000291 Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (5 lb.)
1312000296 Ore-Ida® Pixie Crinkles (26 oz.)
1312000377 Ore-Ida® Cottage Fries (32 oz.)
1312000392 Ore-Ida® Southern Style Hash Browns (32 oz.)
1312000428 Ore-Ida® Country Style Steak Fries (28 oz.)
1312000455 Ore-Ida® Zesty Twirls (28 oz.)
1312000469 Ore-Ida® Potatoes O'Brien (28 oz.)
1312000647 Ore-Ida® French Fries (8 lb.)
1312000654 Ore-Ida® Country Style Hashbrowns (6 lb.)
1312000784 Ore-Ida® Steam N' Mash Cut Russets®
1312000785 Ore-Ida® Steam N' Mash Cut Sweet Potatoes®
1312000786 Ore-Ida® Steam N' Mash Three Cheese Potatoes®
1312000787 Ore-Ida® Steam N' Mash Garlic Seasoned Potatoes®
1312000483 Ore-Ida® Golden Twirls® (28 oz.)
1312000484 Ore-Ida® Zesties® (2 lb.)
1312000800 Ore-Ida® Steak Fries® (28 oz.)
1312000801 Ore-Ida® Shoestrings® (5 lb)
1312000828 Ore-Ida® Shoestrings® (28 oz.)
1312000829 Ore-Ida® Shoestrings® (40 oz.)
1312000833 Ore-Ida® Country Style Hashbrowns (30 oz.)
1312000854 Ore-Ida® Hash Browns (5 lb.)
1312000862 Ore-Ida® Country Style Hashbrowns (6 lb.)
1312001012 Ore-Ida® Potato Wedges with Skins (24 oz.)
1312001036 Ore-Ida® Crispers® (20 oz.)
1312001176 Ore-Ida® Waffle Fries® (22 oz.)
1312001190 Ore-Ida® Steak Fries® (3.75 lb.)
1312001260 Ore-Ida® Extra Crispy Crinkle Cut (26 oz.)
1312001280 Ore-Ida® Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkle Cut® (26 oz.)
1312001417 Ore-Ida® Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries (26 oz.)
1312001461 Ore-Ida® Country Fries (30 oz.)
1312001492 Ore-Ida® Fast Food Fries (4 lb.)
1312008564 Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (8 lb.)
1312008572 Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (8 lb.) CLUB

SMART ONES PRODUCTS:
UPC CODE: PRODUCT NAME:
2580002011 Smart Ones Broccoli & Cheddar Potatoes
2580002247 Smart Ones Lemon Herb Chicken Piccata
2580002254 Smart Ones Fiesta Chicken
2580002360 Smart Ones Santa Fe Rice & Beans
2580002904 Smart Ones Creamy Tuscan Chicken
2580002907 Smart Ones Grilled Chicken in Garlic Herb Sauce
2580002915 Smart Ones Home-Style Chicken
2580002918 Smart Ones Chicken Santa Fe

Again, we appreciate you taking the time to contact us. If you need further information, feel free to call us at this toll-free number (1-800-255-5750). Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM, Eastern Time.

Heinz Consumer Resource Center
Heinzconsumeraffairs@us.hjheinz.com

When contacting us, please refer to the following reference number: ******

HEINZ/JNEEL

P.S. - For your convenience, here's a recipe for a barbecue sauce without gluten-containing ingredients:

Heinz Ketchup Basic Barbecue Sauce

½ cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon celery seed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce

In saucepan, combine all ingredients.
Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
Brush ribs or chicken with sauce during last 10 minutes of grilling or broiling.

Makes about ¾ cup of sauce.

I know this is long, but I couldn't resist sending the entire response!
G'ma Mary

Jan · Post by **Jan** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:54 pm

Wow,

I didn't realize the Heinz owned that many products. You would think they would be a little more helpful on requests for specific dietary questions.

Jan

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:58 pm

"UPDATE" on Ore-Ida Potato products
ALWAYS read labels even if something has been safe in the past.

For anyone who is interested here is the updated list, as of right now and the link to the site/page:

http://oreida.com/quicktipsfaqs/glutenfree.aspx

GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS

If you suffer from (gluten intolerance) you will be pleased to know that the Ore-Ida® Brand offers a wide variety of products that are gluten-free.

Hash Browns
UPC CODE:

Ore-Ida® Southern Style Hash Browns (32 oz.)
1312000392

Ore-Ida® Potatoes O'Brien (28 oz.)
1312000469

Ore-Ida® Country Style Hashbrowns (30 oz.)
1312000833

Ore-Ida® Country Style Hashbrowns (6 lb.)
1312000862

Ore-Ida® 9 count Golden Patties® (20.25 oz.)
1312000080

The Classics

Ore-Ida® Golden Fries® (32 oz.)
1312000258

Ore-Ida® Golden Fries® (5 lb.)
1312000278

Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (32 oz.)
1312000286

Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (5 lb.)
1312000291

Ore-Ida® Potato Wedges with Skins (24 oz.)
1312001012

Ore-Ida® Shoestrings® (28 oz.)
1312000828

Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (8 lb.) (Costco only)
1312008564

Ore-Ida® Golden Crinkles® (8 lb.) (Sam’s only)
1312008572

Extra Crispy

Ore-Ida® Extra Crispy Fast Food FriesTM (26 oz.)
1312001417

Fun Shapes

Ore-Ida® Pixie Crinkles® (26 oz.)
1312000296

Ore-Ida® Cottage Fries (32 oz.)
1312000377

Seasoned

Ore-Ida® French Fries (8 lb.) (Sam’s Club only)
1312000647

NO MORE tator tots or the round crispies.

* Please note that recipes and processes can change from time to time. Therefore, we recommend that you always check the ingredient statement on the label

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:58 pm

I think you'll be ok with the Lea and Perrins Worcheshire Sauce (original flavor, at least), that is unless you have a problem with anchovies (fish allergy). If they don't list soy anywhere, you should be ok. At least the biggie, gluten is not a problem, apparently.

I think the labelling system still has major kinks in it that could easily be resolved, but also, it's important to know that things MIGHT be listed in the ingredients, in the title, OR in the allergy section if it lists them, so it's sort of like we have to look at everything. Big major companies seem to have made the shift into allergy labeling a lot faster than some other companies, probably because they got ready for it ahead of time, knowing that these markets are growing tremendously in the last few years. I'm glad it's actually getting lots easier to shop for some regular products nowadays. That should help lots of people, including their pocketbooks!

Good luck!
Luce

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:08 pm

G'ma Mary,

You certainly received a kinder and more comprehensive explanation than I did.

Dee,
For some reason, I've avoided the Ore-Ida french fries. Since they don't have gluten, I'm assuming they have soy or soybean oil. I've found another product that doesn't contain either, but it does contain corn flour.

I will probably try the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce again sometime to see if I get a similar reaction. If I do, I'll make Dee's recipe (thank you, Dee!) My reactions are very minor while I am on Entocort; I almost feel guilty even mentioning them. But I'm alert to any change because it turn into a big problem if and when I ever get off the Entocort.

Thank you for all of your responses. I appreciate the concern and support.

Gloria