Edible Arrangements are a popular gift item consisting of fresh fruit arranged to look like floral bouquets. The fruit is cut into various shapes and skewered onto sticks to resemble flowers. These fruit arrangements are a tasty alternative to traditional flower bouquets.
Many people wonder if Edible Arrangements contain gluten. This is an important question for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who need to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those with gluten intolerance.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape and texture. Gluten is found in many bread and baked products. It gives elasticity to dough, helping it rise and keep its shape.
People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten. When they eat gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue. Avoiding gluten allows healing of the intestinal lining.
Gluten in Fresh Fruit
The fruits used in Edible Arrangements are naturally gluten-free. Fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain any gluten proteins. Common fruits used include pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, strawberries, and oranges. These fruits are picked and used in their fresh, whole form.
The growing and harvesting process for fresh produce does not introduce any gluten. The fruits are washed and prepared for Edible Arrangements without adding any ingredients. The fruit is simply cut into shapes and skewered onto sticks.
Therefore, the raw fruits used in Edible Arrangements are naturally gluten-free.
Added Ingredients
While the raw fruits are gluten-free, some Edible Arrangements may have additional ingredients added that could contain traces of gluten. It depends on the specific arrangement.
Some Edible Arrangements include chocolate-dipped fruits. The chocolate coating is likely made in a facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients. There is potential for cross-contamination of the chocolate with gluten.
Many Edible Arrangements also include dipping sauces, like chocolate and caramel. These sauces may contain glutenous ingredients or have the risk of cross-contamination.
Dried fruits are another add-in found in some Edible Arrangements. The drying process can introduce gluten, especially from cross-contamination.
Nuts are also occasionally added. While nuts are naturally gluten-free, there is a chance of cross-contact from gluten-containing grains during growing and processing.
So any added ingredients beyond the raw fresh fruit have the chance of gluten exposure. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to avoid these potential sources of gluten.
Manufacturing Process
Edible Arrangements has a manufacturing facility where they cut and assemble the fruit arrangements. This facility and equipment could be exposed to gluten sources.
The fruit is washed and processed on equipment that likely also prepares ingredients with gluten. Even though the fruit is naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur during washing, cutting, and assembly if equipment is shared.
There is also potential for cross-contact from employees handling gluten-containing foods and then the fresh fruits. Or from airborne gluten particles landing on the fruit arrangements.
Proper cleaning, sanitation, and allergen protocols need to be in place to prevent cross-contamination. Those with celiac disease are highly sensitive, so even small amounts can trigger issues.
Packaging Material
The packaging used to wrap and box Edible Arrangements could also introduce sources of gluten. Things like tissue paper, ribbons, and stickers may contain gluten or be contaminated during processing.
Any reusable packing materials like wrapping sheets, trays, and utensils should be thoroughly washed between uses to avoid cross-contact. Edible Arrangements likely take precautions to reduce contamination, but there is still a chance.
Those with celiac disease need to be cautious when opening and handling the packaging materials. Cross-contamination from packaging can inadvertently get onto the “gluten-free” fruit.
Recipes with Added Gluten
Edible Arrangements has expanded beyond just fresh fruit to also offer things like dipped fruit, fruit salads, and baked goods. These types of products have a higher likelihood of containing gluten.
Fruit salads may include ingredients like cookies, granola, or other mixed-in items that contain gluten. Baked goods almost certainly include glutenous flour. So it’s important to carefully read labels and product information.
Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance need to avoid any recipes purposefully using wheat-containing ingredients. Only plain fresh fruit arrangements are a safer bet when ordering from Edible Arrangements.
Cleaning and Sanitation Practices
To help avoid cross-contamination, Edible Arrangements likely follows certain protocols:
| Allergen control plan | Identify gluten and other allergens, and establish procedures to prevent cross-contact |
| Supplier control | Require suppliers to provide certifications of gluten-free status for ingredients |
| Employee training | Train employees on recognizing and handling allergens like gluten |
| Segregated storage | Store ingredients with allergens separate from allergen-free items |
| Color coding | Use designated color-coded tools and storage areas for specific allergens like gluten |
| Sanitation | Require thorough cleaning procedures between working with different allergens |
| Multiple production lines | Dedicate equipment and space to allergen-free items versus those with allergens |
Following strict protocols is necessary since even trace amounts can trigger a reaction for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Testing for Gluten
Routine product testing helps validate manufacturing processes are controlling gluten properly. Testing involves swabbing surfaces and ingredients to detect the presence of gluten proteins.
More facilities are using ELISA gluten testing of ingredients and surfaces during production. This highly sensitive test can detect traces of gluten down to 5-10 parts per million (ppm).
It provides quality control to ensure gluten-free status versus relying solely on product labels and supplier declarations. ELISA testing is especially important for allergens given the serious health consequences like those experienced by people with celiac disease.
Certifications
Edible Arrangements may seek certification to help ensure proper gluten controls:
– Gluten-Free Certification Program – This program administered by the Gluten Intolerance Group certifies products to have less than 10 ppm of gluten. Companies must pass inspections and ongoing testing.
– GMP Gluten-Free – This verifies adherence to FDA gluten-free manufacturing regulations. It confirms proper protocols to prevent cross-contact.
– Gluten-Free Facility – Companies with this certification process gluten-free products on equipment completely separate from gluten exposure.
Certifications provide added assurance through independent audits. They evaluate operational controls and require periodic gluten testing.
Labeling
Edible Arrangements should clearly identify products as certified gluten-free when applicable. Listing major allergens directly on the label is recommended.
Any products with added ingredients beyond just the raw fresh fruit should be scrutinized. The label should declare Contains Wheat if any gluten-containing grains are used as ingredients.
Advisory labeling like “May contain wheat” provides caution about potential cross-contamination. Those with celiac disease should avoid any products with this type of advisory statement.
Clear labeling and signage helps customers make informed choices. Those with medical needs like a gluten-free diet rely on transparency and access to allergen information.
Customer Service Inquiries
The most reliable approach is to directly ask Edible Arrangements about their gluten-free status and protocols. Their customer service team should be knowledgeable about how they manage allergens like gluten.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should inquire about:
– If all equipment and facilities are completely free of gluten exposure
– What sanitation procedures are followed between regular and gluten-free items
– If any routine gluten testing is performed
– Whether the facility has gluten-free certifications
– If add-ins beyond just the raw fruits are made in gluten-free facilities
Reputable companies will be transparent and can provide documentation to back up their allergen controls. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explain your needs when ordering.
Personalized Orders
For maximum assurance, customized orders can be placed specifying only fresh fruits with no add-ins. This eliminates uncertainty around chocolate, dips, dried fruits, and other possible sources of gluten.
You can request preparation on thoroughly sanitized, dedicated equipment away from other products with gluten. It’s reasonable to ask a company to take extra precautions for those with medical issues like celiac disease.
Building relationships with local Edible Arrangements stores can help secure customized orders catered to your gluten-free needs. Many smaller franchise locations are willing to accommodate individual requests.
Conclusion
In summary, the raw fresh fruits that make up the majority of Edible Arrangements are naturally gluten-free. However, steps must be taken by the manufacturer to prevent cross-contamination during processing, storage, and preparation.
Added ingredients like chocolate, dips, and dried fruits may contain traces of gluten from shared equipment and facility exposure. Packaging components also present a slight risk.
Proper cleaning procedures, allergen controls, gluten testing, certifications, and labeling provide some reassurance of gluten-free status. But those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still inquire directly and consider customized orders.
When in doubt, it’s advised to take a cautious approach and avoid any Edible Arrangements with uncertainty around gluten exposure. Ultimately, individuals need to assess their own level of risk and comfort when choosing gift items that are safe based on their dietary needs.
