Gluten-Free Without the Guesswork: Beating “May Contain” Anxiety After Diagnosis
You’re standing in Dunnes Stores, trolley half-full, scanning sauces you used to buy without a second thought. Now every label feels risky. “Wheat starch.” “May contain.” Traffic lights. E-numbers. As a newly diagnosed patient, the fear of getting it wrong is real—and exhausting.
The Hidden Problem: Wheat Starch in Sauces (Ireland/EU)
In Ireland, wheat starch in sauces is legal under EU rules—but it’s also one of the biggest sources of confusion for people eating gluten-free.
- Allergen labelling: Under EU Regulation 1169/2011, if wheat starch is used, it must be declared as “wheat starch” on the ingredients list, clearly identifying wheat as an allergen (official guidance).
- Gluten-free claims: Sauces labelled “gluten-free” must contain no more than 20 ppm gluten in the final product, as set out in EU Regulation 41/2009.
- Very low gluten: Some foods may contain up to 100 ppm, which is still permitted for people intolerant to gluten.
The anxiety spike comes from processing differences. Unmodified wheat starch can only be used in gluten-free products if the final sauce meets the 20 ppm limit. Meanwhile, wheat starch hydrolysates (like glucose syrups or maltodextrin derived from wheat) have a permanent allergen-labelling exemption because EFSA found them safe when processed correctly and kept under 20 ppm gluten (EFSA-backed summary; EFSA scientific opinion).
To make it harder, sauces often include modified starches (E 1404–E 1452). EFSA has repeatedly found these E-numbers pose no safety concern at current use levels (EFSA re-evaluation), and Coeliac UK confirms modified starch is generally safe for gluten-sensitive individuals (Coeliac UK guidance).
Bottom line: It’s not just the word “wheat” that matters—it’s the final gluten content. That’s a lot to calculate in the sauce aisle.
The Solution: Food Scan Genius (Built for Newly Diagnosed Patients)
This is exactly why newly diagnosed users in Ireland are switching to Food Scan Genius. Instead of memorising EFSA opinions or second-guessing Dunnes’ own-brand sauces, you:
- Add wheat starch in sauces to your personal dietary profile.
- Scan the product barcode.
- Get a clear, instant answer based on EU gluten thresholds—not fear.
For anyone searching for a reliable coeliac scanner ireland solution, Food Scan Genius turns regulatory complexity into simple, confident decisions—especially helpful when labels say “may contain” and your anxiety spikes.
| Manual Label Reading | Food Scan Genius |
|---|---|
| Decode wheat starch, E-numbers, and exemptions yourself | Instantly checks against your gluten-free profile |
| High “may contain” anxiety in-store | Clear yes/no guidance based on EU rules |
| Easy to miss hidden wheat derivatives | Flags relevant risks automatically |
| Slow and stressful at Dunnes Stores | Fast decisions, calmer shopping |
“I was diagnosed last month and Dunnes became overwhelming overnight. Food Scan Genius helped me trust what I put in my trolley again—especially sauces with wheat starch.” — Aoife, Dublin
Stop Guessing Ingredients
Scan barcodes instantly and see if they match your diet. Join 50,000+ users shopping with confidence.
Free to download • Secure & Private
