We make delicious baking mixes that have the added benefits of being gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free.
In April of 2009, we had a serious problem with one of our suppliers. We had asked Grain Process Enterprises to supply us with gluten-free flour, and for several months, they shipped it to us. We asked for the gluten-testing results, and we were informed that they didn't exist.
We then informed them that we would have a sample of their flour tested at an independent lab, and if the test results indicated the presence of gluten... they would be held responsible for the recall that would ensue.
Sure enough, the tests came back as positive for gluten. We then informed Grain Process Enterprises that we would issue a complete recall, and subsequently all of our distributors to immediately pull our products off the shelves. We could not afford to maintain our products on the market if there was any risk to the consumer.
The first response of our old supplier was that our specification for gluten-free flour must have been a mistake on the part of their order-entry clerks. We said that this might have been true for one order, but not for all of them stretching out over a four month period.
Their second response was that they never claimed to be a gluten-free mill. We then asked why they took our money for gluten-free flour if they couldn't supply it in the first place.
Their third response was to state that they were disappointed in the scale of our recall, and that if we would just wait another couple of days, that they would be able to find a copy of any gluten tests that had been performed. We commented that they had already had a week to do exactly that, and they had not done so, and therefore we had to proceed with the recall.
Needless to say, the recall has been a long process, but we're very pleased to announce the return of our products to the marketplace since we have found a reliable source of supply.
The CBC has interviewed us concerning our issues, and the segment will air on the radio first at some point during the morning show (tune in to CBC Ottawa, or navigate to the CBC website and click on the Ottawa icon to listen to their stream), as well as on CBC news at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The date will be Monday, October 26th, 2009.
We initially thought that the interview would air on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009, but we have just found out that the air date has changed because of other breaking news. We're deeply sorry for the error, and we hope that this gives us even more time to publicize the issue.