FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Source: Kent Rausch, 217-265-0697,krausch@illinois.edu
News writer: Debra Levey Larson, 217-244-2880,dlarson@illinois.edu
URBANA, Ill. – One coproduct from wet milling corn is corn gluten meal—a high-protein ingredient used in many pet foods and livestock feed. By the name of the coproduct, one would think that corn gluten meal contains gluten, when in fact, it contains 60 to 70 percent protein and is 100 percent gluten free. It’s a misnomer. There is no gluten in corn gluten meal.
According to University of Illinois food engineerKent Rausch, it’s clear. “This is a textbook fact. Wheat contains gluten. Corn does not. There has never been any reason why corn gluten meal and another wet milling coproduct, corn gluten feed, should contain the word gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye—not in corn or corn coproducts.”
Rausch says because corn wet mills exclusively process corn grain only—no wheat, and therefore no gluten—there isn’t even a concern about the possibility of cross contamination present to cause contamination of corn gluten meal or corn gluten feed.
So, how did the word creep in? Rausch says the story goes that one of the early corn processors hired someone from a wheat gluten processing facility. “He just called everything that had protein in it ‘gluten.’ But I’ve never seen anything in writing to verify the story.”
Some animal food processors would like to see the name officially changed to something more accurate and to avoid any confusion on the part of consumers. Rausch says pet and livestock owners see corn gluten meal in the list of ingredients on feed labels and have questioned it, assuming that it’s the same as the gluten linked to celiac disease in humans.
When you think about the texture of yeast breads that contain gluten, it’s obvious that corn doesn’t have it. That’s why cornbread has the consistency it does—no gluten equals drier and more crumbly—compared to wheat bread with gluten that’s stretchy.
“It’s ironic that corn protein is a great source of gluten-free protein but everything in the wet milling process has the term ‘gluten’ attached to it. If the name could be changed, it would be a lot less confusing,” Rausch says. “Every year during our wet milling workshop at the U of I, we have representatives attending who are confused by the names and whether gluten is in corn. These are people that actually work in the wet mills.”
Rausch says it’s up to the Association of American Feed Control Officials to change the name. AAFCO is responsible for creating ingredient definitions for animal food products.
With gluten allergies in the health spotlight and more and more gluten-free products being produced, now would be a good time to clarify the term and confirm the absence of gluten in corn and corn products. “It would certainly stave off the confusion,” Rausch says.
Kent Rausch is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at U of I.
Pull date: November 30, 2022
FAQs
By the name of the coproduct, one would think that corn gluten meal contains gluten, when in fact, it contains 60 to 70 percent protein and is 100 percent gluten free. It's a misnomer. There is no gluten in corn gluten meal. According to University of Illinois food engineer Kent Rausch, it's clear.
Does corn meal have gluten? ›
Cornmeal is also gluten-free. Cornmeal is a coarse flour made from maize, (i.e. corn). Just like cornflour, it's important to look for labeled gluten-free cornmeal whenever possible, as cross-contact can easily occur during manufacturing. Hominy is a product of corn and is gluten-free.
Is corn gluten meal the same as wheat gluten? ›
Corn gluten is a byproduct from milling corn. It is not the same as wheat gluten. Corn gluten is not a true gluten like wheat. It is from the endosperm of the seed, or where the plant will grow out of the seed.
Is corn the new gluten? ›
Corn is naturally gluten free. The protein in corn is sometimes referred to as “corn gluten” but it is not harmful to those with celiac disease.
Is corn gluten meal safe? ›
No toxic effects have been identified in mammals, birds, or fish. In fact, corn gluten meal is commonly used in feed for cattle, fish, poultry, pets, and other animals. No harmful effects are expected if users follow the application rates and use directions on the label.
Does oatmeal have gluten? ›
Even though oats are naturally gluten-free, a small portion of people with celiac disease still react to them. Research suggests that a protein in oats called avenin can trigger a similar response to gluten, though it is thought to be a separate sensitivity.
Do potatoes have gluten? ›
The simple answer is yes — potatoes are gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. Potatoes aren't grains, they're a type of starchy vegetable. That's good news for people who can't tolerate gluten because they have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Does Jiffy cornbread Mix contain gluten? ›
Jiffy mixes are not gluten free, and the main ingredient of their corn muffin mix is wheat flour. Bob's Red Mill apparently makes a gluten-free cornbread mix similar to Jiffy's, and I suspect others do. Jiffy's corn bread mix is not vegetarian, so I have not tried it.
Does cornmeal go bad? ›
Cornmeal is sold in 5-pound bags. There is a "best if used by" date rather than an expiration date. This means there is an opportunity to extend the shelf life of cornmeal; if it's stored under good conditions, cornmeal will keep for about one year. To assure the best quality over time, use the following storage ideas.
Does rice contain gluten? ›
Yes, all rice (in its natural form) is gluten-free. Rice is one of the most popular gluten-free grains for people with celiac disease. Many gluten-free packaged goods are made with rice flour instead of wheat flour.
The term corn gluten meal as an animal food ingredient was first defined by AAFCO in the early 1900s. At that time, “gluten” was used synonymously with the word protein, and any ingredient with a separate endosperm was termed as gluten.
Does popcorn have gluten? ›
Popcorn is naturally gluten-free and suitable for most people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Still, some individuals who react to gluten may also be sensitive to certain proteins in corn. What's more, some commercial products may be cross-contaminated with gluten or include glutenous ingredients.
What cornmeal is gluten-free? ›
Arrowhead Mills Organic Gluten Free Yellow Cornmeal is great for more than just cornbread! It creates a light, crispy crust when fried and brightens up many dishes.
Does cheese have gluten? ›
Cheese confuses many followers of the gluten-free diet. Most cheese does not have gluten, but it is very important to read labels of all packaged or processed cheese before eating it.
Is mayonnaise gluten-free? ›
Mayonnaise or “mayo” is typically made from naturally gluten-free ingredients: eggs, oil, vinegar, lemon and sometimes mustard/mustard seed or other spices. Mayo brands that have a gluten-free label have passed thorough testing and are safe to eat for people with celiac disease.
Why is corn gluten meal in cat food? ›
Corn protein meal has been a source of high-quality protein in pet food for more than a century, helping pet food makers create complete and balanced nutrition for America's dogs and cats. The term corn gluten meal as an animal food ingredient was first defined by AAFCO in the early 1900s.
Does cornbread contain gluten? ›
While corn is gluten free, most cornbread recipes also include regular, all-purpose flour which makes them not gluten free. That said, my recipe swaps all-purpose flour with a measure-for-measure / 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
