Reasons why rice flour causes allergic symptoms and what to check

　　

Wheat allergy has been on the rise among food allergies in recent years. While wheat allergy is generally thought of as something that only affects small children, it is actually not uncommon for it to develop in adults as well. If you develop a wheat allergy, not only can you not eat wheat products such as pasta and bread, but you also have to avoid soy sauce, alcohol, and cosmetics that contain wheat, causing disruption to your daily life.

Recently, with the advancement of soy and rice flour processing technology, there are many delicious foods that do not contain wheat flour, but there are still many accidents in which people develop allergic symptoms due to ingesting wheat.As organizations such as the Consumer Affairs Agency have warned, this is because even if wheat flour is not listed on the ingredient label, wheat may still be included or mixed in .

So, this time we will introduce basic knowledge about wheat allergies and the points that people with wheat allergies should check when eating rice flour products. We hope that this information will be useful not only for those with wheat allergies, but also for their family members and those around them.

What is a wheat allergy?

Wheat allergy is a type of food allergy that causes various allergic symptoms due to the proteins contained in wheat as allergens . Symptoms can occur not only when wheat is ingested, but also when touching products containing wheat.

Wheat allergy symptoms

Symptoms of wheat allergy, like other food allergies, vary greatly from person to person. Typical symptoms include:

• Digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Skin symptoms such as hives and itchy skin
• Allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose
• Respiratory symptoms such as asthma attacks
• Anaphylactic shock (severe systemic symptoms)

Symptoms range from mild to severe, and in severe cases can be life-threatening, so proper diagnosis and management are essential .

Substances that cause wheat allergies

There are four main types of proteins (allergens) known to cause wheat allergies:

• Gluten (gliadin)
• albumin
• globulin
• glutenin

Of these, gluten is the one that causes the most cases, and caution is required as it is used in wheat products such as bread and noodles, as well as processed meats such as ham and sausage.On the other hand, albumin, globulin, and glutenin are often added as quality improvers mainly in bread and confectionery making.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Wheat Allergy

If a wheat allergy is suspected, the first step is to confirm the connection to wheat through a medical interview and food diary, and then diagnose the allergy through allergy tests such as blood tests and skin tests . Treatment basically revolves around a wheat-free diet, but in the unlikely event that symptoms appear, prescription of antihistamines and, for severe cases, the use of an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen®) may also be considered.

The general rule for wheat allergies is to "completely eliminate wheat," but the reality is that it is difficult to know whether processed foods contain wheat or not. Furthermore, the amount of intake required to develop symptoms varies from person to person, so it is necessary to pay close attention to your daily diet.

Why rice flour products cause allergic reactions

In recent years, with the rise in health consciousness, rice flour has been attracting attention as an alternative to wheat flour. It is gluten-free and has an image of being safe for people with wheat allergies, but in fact, there have been reported cases of people experiencing allergic reactions to rice flour products .

Why does an allergic reaction occur even though it is rice flour? There are three possible reasons for this:

When wheat flour is used in rice flour bread

Even if it is labeled as rice flour bread, it may actually contain wheat flour. Rice flour alone does not rise well and is difficult to achieve the texture required for bread, so in many cases a certain amount of wheat flour is mixed in .

When purchasing rice flour bread, be sure to check the ingredients label. If it contains words like "wheat flour" or "gluten," avoid it if you have a wheat allergy.

Possibility of wheat being mixed in during manufacturing

Even if wheat is not used as an ingredient, it is possible that wheat may have been mixed in during the manufacturing process. This is called "contamination."

What is contamination?

Contamination refers to the unintentional mixing of substances that should not be included in a product during the manufacturing process . In the case of allergens, this can be a major problem because even minute amounts can cause symptoms.

Causes of contamination

There are two main causes of contamination:

• Insufficient management during receipt and storage of raw materials
• Contamination due to shared production lines

If a factory that produces rice flour products also produces products that use wheat, there is a risk that trace amounts of wheat may be mixed in if the production lines are shared .

If the product packaging has a warning such as "This manufacturing facility produces products containing wheat," this indicates the possibility of contamination, so people with wheat allergies should be careful.

Insufficient ingredient labeling

While ingredients are required to be listed on products sold at supermarkets, labeling is often insufficient in face-to-face sales at independent stores . When purchasing rice flour bread, it is important to check the ingredients beforehand.

In addition, the number of allergens listed is limited to 27, so for other allergens, you must self-report. If the allergen that caused your allergy is not listed, you will need to check at the store.

In order for people with wheat allergies to eat rice flour products safely, it is important not only to check the ingredient list, but also to carefully check for the possibility of contamination during the manufacturing process.

Checkpoints for choosing rice flour products

People with wheat allergies need to be aware of a few points to ensure they can safely choose rice flour products. Here are three checkpoints to check when choosing rice flour products.

Check the ingredients label

When choosing a rice flour product, the first thing you want to check is the ingredient label. Foods that contain allergens are required to display the seven specified ingredients (eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, and crab).

Check for the presence of flour

Rice flour bread and sweets often contain not only rice flour but also wheat flour . This is because rice flour alone does not rise well and is difficult to achieve the desired texture. Be sure to check the ingredients on the product package carefully to make sure they do not contain words such as "wheat flour," "wheat," or "gluten."

Understanding Gluten-Free Labeling

Products labeled "gluten-free" may seem like they can be safely eaten by people with wheat allergies, but in fact, this is not always the case. In Japan, the definition of "gluten" is vague, and labeling standards are unclear, so caution is required . Some manufacturers label products in accordance with overseas standards, while others label products according to their own standards.

Don't rely solely on the gluten-free label; always check the ingredients to see if any allergens are present.

Check the management status of the manufacturing process

Even if there are no problems with the ingredient labeling, wheat may have been mixed in during the manufacturing process . This is called "contamination." If a factory that produces rice flour products also produces products that use wheat, there is a risk that trace amounts of wheat may be mixed in if the production lines are shared.

If the product packaging has a warning such as "This factory produces products containing wheat," it is likely that the product is contaminated. One way to find out is to contact the manufacturer to inquire about the management status of the manufacturing process.

Choose a reliable manufacturer or store

It is important to choose manufacturers and stores that understand wheat allergies and are proactive in preventing contamination, such as managing raw materials and thoroughly cleaning production lines .

Manufacturers that specialize in allergy-friendly foods and stores that are proactive in labeling allergens are relatively safe. It is also recommended to check their reputation on review sites.

Also, face-to-face sales at independent stores and other establishments may not adequately label ingredients, so when purchasing rice flour bread, it's important to check with the store clerk in advance about the ingredients and manufacturing process .

When choosing rice flour products, people with wheat allergies need to make a comprehensive decision, not only by checking the ingredients label, but also by considering the management status of the manufacturing process and the store's response capabilities. We hope that by choosing highly safe products, you can enjoy your diet with peace of mind.

Rice flour products that can be eaten by people with wheat allergies

People with wheat allergies cannot eat foods made with wheat flour, such as bread and sweets. However, in recent years, the number of products made with rice flour has increased, expanding the options available to people with wheat allergies that can be safely eaten . Here we will introduce rice flour products recommended for people with wheat allergies.

100% rice flour products

If a product is made from 100% rice flour, there is almost no risk of wheat being mixed in. There are many different types of 100% rice flour products on the market, including bread, cakes, and cookies.

When choosing a product made with 100% rice flour, be sure to check the ingredient label carefully . Make sure that no ingredients other than rice flour are used. It's also a good idea to inquire whether the production line is shared with wheat products.

Certified gluten-free products

Gluten-free certified products are also suitable for people with wheat allergies. The gluten-free certification system is a third-party certification system in which a product is certified to contain a certain amount of gluten, and in Japan, this certification is carried out by the NPO Japan Gluten-Free Association .

Products with the gluten-free certification mark are safe to eat because they do not contain gluten from wheat, rye, barley, etc. However, standards for gluten-free labeling vary by country, so care must be taken when purchasing products from overseas.

Homemade rice flour dishes and sweets

If you're a little hesitant to buy commercially available rice flour products, we recommend trying making rice flour dishes and sweets at home. Rice flour can be used in place of wheat flour, so try adapting your usual cooking and sweets recipes to use rice flour .

If you make it yourself, you can have complete control over the ingredients and manufacturing process, giving you a sense of security. It may also be an opportunity to discover the deliciousness of rice flour.

Rice flour bread recipe

To make rice flour bread, simply mix rice flour, baking powder, salt, and water and bake in the oven. Adjust the amount of water depending on the type of rice flour you use. You can enjoy a variety of flavors by changing the toppings . We also recommend adding cheese, herbs, dried fruit, etc.

Rice flour cookie recipe

To make rice flour cookies, mix butter and sugar well, then add rice flour, baking powder, and salt to make the dough. Then, cut them into shapes or roll them into balls and press them flat, then bake them in the oven. Decorate them with icing or chocolate to create adorable cookies .

Even if you have a wheat allergy, your food options will be expanded if you make good use of rice flour products. When choosing commercially available products, be sure to check the ingredient label carefully, and we also recommend trying your hand at making your own. Enjoy the deliciousness of rice flour and your diet with peace of mind.

Things to note when eating out

For those with wheat allergies, eating out can be a bit daunting. This is because restaurants and cafes often don't clearly state the ingredients or cooking methods they use, which means there's a risk of unknowingly consuming wheat . However, with proper preparation and mental readiness, you can enjoy eating out without worry. Here are some points to keep in mind when eating out if you have a wheat allergy.

Items to check with store staff

First, be sure to clearly communicate your allergies to the restaurant staff. If you say, "I have a wheat allergy, so I would like to avoid dishes that contain wheat flour," the staff will be more likely to take your allergies into consideration when preparing food . Also, even if the menu says "gluten-free," it's important to check the ingredients just to be sure.

In particular, you should be careful with the following foods:

• Breaded or flour-coated dishes (pork cutlets, fried chicken, etc.)
• Flour-based sauces (white sauce, roux, etc.)
• Noodles (pasta, ramen, udon, etc.)
• Flour-based desserts (cakes, cookies, etc.)

For these dishes, check whether they contain wheat flour and ask if there are any alternatives available . This will also help the restaurant to better understand your allergies.

High-risk dishes for contamination

Even if wheat flour is not used as an ingredient, there is a possibility that wheat flour may get mixed in during the cooking process. This is called "contamination." In particular, the following dishes have a high risk of contamination, so caution is required .

• Fried foods shared with a fryer
• Cooking in shared pasta boiling water
• Dishes that use the same cooking utensils as dishes that use flour

For these dishes, check with your staff to see if they have been contaminated and, if possible, ask them to prepare them using separate utensils.

Use of rice flour products brought with you

If the restaurant doesn't have a wheat allergy-friendly menu, one option is to bring rice flour bread or cookies you've made at home. Talk to the restaurant in advance and make requests such as "I'd like them to make sandwiches using the bread I brought" or "I'd like them to serve rice flour cookies for dessert."

Additionally, the number of restaurants and cafes that cater to those with wheat allergies has been increasing recently. It is recommended to search online or gather information on social media beforehand to find a restaurant where you can eat without worry.

Dining out is not just a way to eat, but also an opportunity to communicate. Even if you have a wheat allergy, you can still enjoy eating out to the fullest with some ingenuity and preparation. Be sure to prepare in advance, communicate well with the staff, and enjoy a safe and delicious meal.

What to do if you experience allergy symptoms

Here are some tips on what to do if you accidentally eat a food containing wheat and experience allergic symptoms. It's important to take appropriate action depending on the severity of your symptoms . Remain calm, assess the situation, and seek help from those around you or a medical institution if necessary.

Treating mild symptoms

Mild symptoms include mild itching of the skin and slight abdominal pain. In this case, symptoms will often subside naturally if you take antihistamines and rest .

However, if your symptoms worsen or if you experience serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, you should immediately seek medical attention. Even if your symptoms are mild, you should not let your guard down.

Dealing with severe symptoms

Severe symptoms include intense itching all over the body, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. These symptoms can progress to anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition .

If severe symptoms occur, do not hesitate to use an EpiPen® and call an ambulance. It is important to inform the ambulance that you suspect anaphylactic shock.

Even after using an EpiPen®, you should always visit a medical institution and be examined by a doctor , because even if the symptoms of anaphylactic shock subside, they may reappear several hours later.

Consultation with a medical institution

If you experience allergic symptoms, we recommend consulting your doctor or a specialist medical institution . Provide detailed information about your symptoms and the foods you think may be causing the allergic reaction, and discuss future measures.

Your doctor can prescribe medication for your symptoms, teach you how to use an EpiPen®, and give you advice on dietary and elimination diets.

It is important not to regret the symptoms that have appeared, but to see it as an experience that can be used for the next time. Work with a medical institution to learn ways to deal with the symptoms that are best suited to you.

Introducing Komeko's Palette's gluten-free menu

Gluten-free rice flour bread

Komeko's Palette offers bread made with 100% rice flour, which does not contain any wheat . It has the chewy texture unique to rice flour and a gentle sweetness not found in wheat bread. This product is recommended not only for those who want to avoid gluten, but also for health-conscious people . We are also committed to being completely additive-free, and are mindful of safety and security. People with wheat allergies or those who require a gluten-free diet can also enjoy our delicious bread .

Gluten-free rice flour bagels

Gluten-free bagels made with rice flour are also a popular item. They have a unique chewy texture and a wide variety of flavors, from plain to fruit. They are also delicious as bagel sandwiches, providing a satisfying and satisfying meal . Palette's bagels are made with beet sugar instead of refined sugar, resulting in a refined sweetness. Be sure to try these new and innovative bagels , which are both healthy and delicious .

Gluten-free rice flour dumplings

Komeko's Palette also sells gluten-free gyoza. The dough, made with rice flour, has a chewier texture than gyoza skins made with wheat flour. The skin has a gentle flavor that brings out the umami of the filling. Gluten-free gyoza are hard to find commercially. With Palette's rice flour gyoza skins, you can enjoy gyoza without worrying about gluten . They're also the perfect product for making homemade gyoza at home.

Gluten-free rice flour dumplings

Palette's gluten-free dumplings, made with rice flour, are also popular. They have a chewy texture and gentle sweetness that only rice flour can provide.

This is a recommended item for those who want to enjoy a healthy snack time.It can also be safely enjoyed by those with wheat allergies or those avoiding gluten.

summary

For those with wheat allergies, checking the ingredient labels and understanding the management status of the manufacturing process is essential for them to choose rice flour products with confidence. Products made from 100% rice flour or products that are certified gluten-free are relatively safe, but the possibility of contamination must also be taken into consideration .

When eating out, it's important to communicate with the staff and check the ingredients and cooking methods of the food. If you're worried about safety, bringing your own homemade rice flour products is another option.

If you do experience allergic symptoms, determine whether they are mild or severe and take appropriate measures. If the symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to use an EpiPen® and call an ambulance . It is important to consult with a medical institution and come up with measures that are appropriate for you.

Wheat allergy is a disease that has a major impact on daily life, but with the right knowledge and mental preparation, you can lead a fulfilling diet. In order to protect your own health, it is most important to understand the key points to consider when choosing rice flour products and to be aware of precautions to take when eating out .