New PB Oreos - Campaign to keep Reg. Oreos safe

Author:: Cayley's Mom
Publish date:: Apr 4, 2002

Hi Folks

Please click on this link to send your thoughts to Nabisco regarding their new product, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Oreos. Enter your age then select

On Apr 4, 2002

I've just emailed them! I sure hope they keep Oreos safe!! Lea

On Apr 4, 2002

I sent my email. I urge all of you that have kids like mine who love Oreos to do the same.

On Apr 4, 2002

Sent my e-mail. Here's what I wrote:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am concerned, on behalf of my many American friends with peanut allergy, about this new PB and Chocolate Cream Oreo. Please keep Oreos safe for peanut allergic children! Do not run the new PB Oreos on the same line with regular Oreos. Our peanut allergic children have very limited snack options to begin with, but many schools, day cares, etc, know that regular Oreos are safe for peanut allergic children. Will they check the labelling in the future if a change is required due to cross-contamination with the PB cookies? I don't think all will - and it may endanger the life of a peanut allergic child. Please don't run the cookies on the same line. It could be a matter of life and death. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope we at PeanutAllergy.Com can make a difference!

Carolyn

On Apr 4, 2002

I think we should point out to them that consumers who deal with food allergies are very brand loyal, we don't price compare or clip coupons the way other consumers do. They will loose a huge client base if they manufacture the pb oreos with the other oreos.

I hope they listen.

On Apr 4, 2002

Done.

On Apr 4, 2002

Done! This really makes me sick. How do I explain to my 3 year old that something that was "safe" is no longer safe? I guess my folks will have to drive to Canada to get our oreo stash when they travel to Maine this spring. What a bummer!

On Apr 4, 2002

Done!

On Apr 4, 2002

Did it. Rebecca, age 7, thinks it's stupid. Enough said. Arlene

On Apr 4, 2002

This makes me so sad. I hope everyone -meils them.

On Apr 4, 2002

Thanks for starting this thread. As I posted previously under the Manufacturers section I emailed everyone in my address book and asked them to email Nabisco regarding the PB Oreos. I've already gotten 4 responses from people that have already fired off an email. If we all do this I think Nabisco will take notice.

Also, I don't recall who mentioned about the brand loyalty but you are absolutely correct. Before the PA I always bought whatever cookies were on sale. Now I just buy the safe ones, regardless of the price.

Karen

On Apr 4, 2002

Just sent it!

On Apr 4, 2002

Ditto.

On Apr 4, 2002

Sent!

On Apr 4, 2002

Oh this makes me angry!!

I just sent off my email, and I will be calling as well. I'll also be putting my son on the phone (he's 3 1/2) to ask the rep why they are making his favorite cookies unsafe for him.

Lori

On Apr 4, 2002

Just fired off my email. Valerie

On Apr 4, 2002

They have my two cents. Thanks for the heads up!

On Apr 4, 2002

Done

Sue in Sunny Arizona

On Apr 5, 2002

Just finished. I'll clue in family members to send their thoughts as well. Grandma's count on this product!

On Apr 5, 2002

I just want to remind everyone that regular mail usually has more impact than email, so even if you've emailed Nabisco, sending a letter also (even if it's pretty much the same message as in your email)would be great.

Debbie

On Apr 5, 2002

Send my email too. Great idea to include Granparents. My Dad was upset when I told him his special cookie time with our son could be coming to an end...they love to split their OREO's together.

On Apr 5, 2002

Done. Several friends and family are also writing. Here is what my father wrote -- I thought it expressed it nicely: --------------------------------------------- I was distressed to hear that your company intends to manufacture Oreo cookies containing peanutbutter. Please do not manufacture them on the same factory lines as those used for the regular product.

Manufacturing the new product on the same lines as the regular product would have two consequences, one inconvenient, the other extremely dangerous for those with a potentially fatal allergy to peanut. For those who know of the change, a previously reliable, easily found snack will have to be avoided. For those unaware of the change--this group of course includes children who cannot yet protect themselves--there is a substantial risk that they will consume small amounts of contamination and suffer anaphylactic reactions from which they may die.

A company as large and well established as NABISCO can surely diversify its product line without endangering lives.

On Apr 5, 2002

I have sent the Email and will tell all of my friends to do the same! Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

Tricia

On Apr 5, 2002

This must be "peanut allergy activism day" for me.... four phone calls, two letters, and two e-mails... all before 9:30 am local time!!! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] Here's what I sent:

Please carefully consider the production of the new product "peanut butter Oreos" to help keep some of your most vulnerable and LOYAL consumers safe- peanut allergic children. They cannot eat most cookies and snack foods because these foods are made in shared facilities or even on lines which contact peanut products. Therefore, whole families, classrooms, and schools rely upon Oreos to be safe for these children to eat. If peanut butter Oreos are produced on the same production lines as regular Oreos, my family will also have to find an alternative to our favorite cookies. Surely it is possible for a diversified company like Nabisco to arrange to maintain the safety of regular Oreos manufacturing. I urge you to consider this before regular production begins. If you simply cannot arrange to keep Oreos safe, please do the severely allergic children who love them the favor of clearly indicating that the production lines are shared. Otherwise, a favorite food which used to be safe may be the cause of a dreadful accident. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

On Apr 5, 2002

Sent my email. Also called Nabisco (Kraft) Canada yesterday.

On Apr 5, 2002

This response is great!

OK, think back to last year re:Nestle Canada. The media got involved and the story of the "big bad candy company taking candy from our PA children" made the 6:00 news, and it made the national papers. We are dealing with the same issue here - taking a safe cookie and making it unsafe and thus out of our children's little hands - when their snack choice is limited to begin with.

The media has to get involved in this - it will make a huge difference. Plus, think of the publicity for us. If anyone in the U.S. is willing to contact the media about this issue, please call (edited)or email to set up a more convenient time at Chris PeanutAllergy.Com ). Or, just contact the media directly on your own behalf - whatever you are comfortable with. I feel with Chris's backing, we have a better chance at making this national news.

I feel the Canadian Nestle issue blew the lid off our Canadian plight with food companies, labelling and safety issues - will this Nabisco/Oreo issue do the same for Americans?

Carolyn

On Apr 5, 2002

Cayley's Mom, I just sent my e-mail as well. I'm angry because I just can't believe that someone feels we need a pb Oreo cookie [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img]

I truly believe that we, as Canadians, must help our American friends as much as possible with this one because I really believe it was THEIR input last year that got Nestle to change their minds. Yes, Canadians did work hard to get them to change their position as well as different allergy associations in Canada. But to receive e-mails from people in America, who can't even buy Smarties or other Nestle "safe" products, really must have made them sit up and think. And, also recognize us as the strong community that we can be.

Of course, I'll post the response I get from them, if any.

As everyone knows, I've always hated pb, and I just can't imagine a pb Oreo. Yuck.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 5, 2002

Cayley's Mom, also, excellent that you got a lot of new members to take part in this. I think the Take Action part of the board might seem overwhelming or frightening to a newcomer, but when you look at the people who have posted above, it's mostly newcomers.

smack, did you get any response from Nabisco in Canada?

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 5, 2002

Sent mine. Cayley's Mom, thanks for spearheading this!

Jackie

On Apr 5, 2002

I've also sent in my two cents regarding their new product. Isn't it wonderful how many snacks there are out there with peanuts?...Not only am I concerned with where they will manufacture these new cookies but I'll also be concerned that my son (who is only two) may someday mistake the p.b. oreo for a safe oreo. Oh well, our list of snacks is shrinking at a rapid rate. Every time we go to the store something else has a may contain warning. I just want to SCREAM sometimes.

Okay, I feel a little better now. Really though peanut butter Oreos?

On Apr 5, 2002

I sent my email yesterday.

I called Nabisco this morning, and was told that the new peanut Oreos would be made on dedicated lines. Has anyone else received this reponse? I couldn't help but get the feeling that the rep was really sick of answering this question all day, and just wanted to get me off the phone.

Amy

On Apr 5, 2002

If anyone has actually spoken to a Nabisco rep and wants to share the info with Chris by phone or e-mail, please contact him at 207-766-5292 or [email]"Chris@PeanutAllergy.Com"[/email] . I have also sent Chris specific threads (such as the one in the Manufacturer Forum) where Joanne, Heather2, etc, detail their conversations with Nabisco reps.

We're getting conflicting info from them now - we need to know, bottom line, will regular Oreos stay safe? If not, the media needs to know.

Carolyn

[This message has been edited by Cayley's Mom (edited April 05, 2002).]

On Apr 5, 2002

I called Nabisco today and was read the "form" answer. I did ask if they had considered a dedicated line and was told they are reviewing the possibility but the only way to know will be to call back in the future and ask. I also asked the shelf life of the cookies in the store and was told the 4 boxes I bought were good through mid-May. I was hoping to stockpile but I guess not if they don't have a long shelf life. My mother also called and was given the same "form" answer I was. You could tell the people are reading the information to you. The girl I spoke with did mention they have had many many calls about this issue! So keep up the good work!

On Apr 5, 2002

Katie's mom,

You could probably freeze them if you wanted to stockpile.

If they start labelling reg.oreo's as "May Contain" in the States and not in Canada.... I wouldn't feel right about giving them any of my money for their cookies.

This just hits a sore spot being Oreo's are a big part of a Peanut/tree-nut allergic child and every kid likes them, and it's one of the safe snacks that all of the parents can buy to bring to our peanut/tree-nut free school.

On Apr 5, 2002

I added my comments too at the Nabisco web site. I will also write a longer more detailed letter. I also believe sending real letters in the mail will make a big imapct, as it did with Nestle Canada.

I read in the news that you will be producing peanut butter OREOS soon. Will the regular OREOS still be safe to eat? I have a peanut allergy, and want to check if the regular OREOS will continue to be made in a peanut-free environment.

If regular OREOS will have a risk of cross-contamination of peanuts, this will prevent peanut allergic individuals from purchasing them, and they will be banned from peanut free schools & classrooms.

My question is will the production of peanut OREOS be on a dedicated line so that regular OREOS will be safe, or will regular OREOS now be off-limits for peanut allergic individuals.

I urge you to continue to make regular OREOS in a peanut free environment as those with nut allergies are limited in the selection of foods available to them. As well, if regular OREOS are no longer safe, your sales will drop as the thousands of North Americans with nut allergies will no longer be able to buy this product, or have it in their homes, or take it to their classrooms.

Thank you.

On Apr 5, 2002

I too sent my letter to Nabisco. Hopefully they will listen to the plight of our letters and keep dedicated lines. My son won't touch a home made cookie so we're doomed if they don't stay dedicated.

best wishes,

Renee [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by Renee111064 (edited April 05, 2002).]

On Apr 5, 2002

Hi I haven't been on in a long time. ( and I had to reregister, cause I forgot everything )Just stopped by to check in and saw this awful news! Sent an email to Nabisco. Keeping our fingers crossed here. I don't want to have to tell my son that these cookies are not safe now!

On Apr 5, 2002

I just sent my e-mail, expressing my hopes that Nabisco, as one of the more allergy-aware companies, will continue to use good manufacturing practices to keep the traditional oreos safe. I also emphasized the impact on not only those with the allergy, but also their families and school mates who try to maintain a safe environment for those with PA.

Steve Kinsley, RD, MCNE [url="http://www.nuconnexions.com/"]http://www.nuconnexions.com/[/url]

On Apr 5, 2002

I get very emotional when it comes to my pa daughter and that seems to carry over in the way I express my concerns over pa issues. This is what I wrote to Nabisco.

PLEASE DON'T KILL OUR BABY !!!

We are the parents of a beautiful little girl with curly blonde hair and big blue eyes. Her name is Sara. When she was almost 3 we found out that she is deathly allergic to peanuts. Over the years we've watched sadness cover her little face many times because she couldn't have something to eat that other kids were eating. It's a long hard battle to find safe foods for her where she doesn't feel left out or different. Oreo cookies have been a true blessing in helping us with snack time. Everyone we know knows that Oreos are safe but you are limiting our choices of safe snacks by making a peanut butter oreo. PLEASE...don't produce your new Peanut Butter Oreos on the same lines with regular oreo's and better yet, don't even produce them in the same facility. One little mistake on your part could kill our daughter or any other peanut allergic child. Do you really want to be responsible for a child gasping for breath trying to hold onto his or her life? The life of a child is worth much more than your bottom dollar any way you measure it. Please keep Sara safe.

On Apr 6, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Going Nuts: [b]I called Nabisco this morning, and was told that the new peanut Oreos would be made on dedicated lines. Has anyone else received this reponse[/b]

Amy, this is exactly the opposite of what I was told by a Nabisco representative. She had to go check with her supervisor and other people and then call me back to give me the answer, so I really felt that what she told me -- no separate facility, no separate production line -- was accurate. OTOH, a friend who actually saw the original FAAN newsletter with the information told me that Nabisco claimed in the newsletter that regular oreos would still be safe.

However, I doubt that Nabisco's definition of "safe" would be the same as mine: PB version produced and packaged in a separate facility from the regular Oreos. I suspect that Nabisco would feel that cleaning the equipment would make the product safe.

The representative I spoke with told me that Nabisco would only label as "may contain" (or some other type of warning) if they were unable to avoid cross-contamination for some reason. Since this relies on them *knowing* that the cookies were cross-contaminated before there's any warning label at all, I think we're also looking at a lack of appropriate labeling, as well as a product we can't use any more. So anyone new to PA who hasn't read this info about Oreos may only find out that the cookie isn't safe after a reaction occurs. How very sad, because this cookie is so popular, this type of accident is bound to occur.

On Apr 6, 2002

Sent off my email! Hope it works!

On Apr 6, 2002

I sent two emails. The following is the response I received to one of them:

Thank you for visiting our web site!

Before changing any product or flavor significantly, we conduct extensive testing with consumer groups.

- Changes made only if majority of participants respond positively

We will forward your comments.

Please add us to your bookmarks, and visit us again! --------------------- Reply To: [email]thatboysmom@yahoo.com[/email]

Why is it so difficult to find allergy information on specific products on your web site?

My 3 1/2 year old son has a severe, life-threatening allergy to peanuts. Up until now, he has been able to eat Oreo cookies and LOVES them. It is one of the few treats he can eat. However, I heard that Oreo's will now have a peanut butter variety.

May I just ask why? Granted, I understand that individuals with severe food allergies are probably very low on your priority list because they are in the minority.

However, why would you take a product that many allergic individuals are already eating, and then make it unsafe? I may be only one customer out of hundreds of thousands, but I can assure you I won't be purchasing any more Oreo's if you are indeed now making a peanut butter version.

I am wondering how to tell my son why he can no longer eat Oreo's. Please tell me exactly why your company chose to make this, one of his very favorite treats, unsafe for him, so that I can explain it to him.

On Apr 7, 2002

Sent my e mail and will ask others to do so too.

Frankly, thinking as a non PA person I think the new flavor sounds gross. But perhaps years of evil thoughts about peanuts have taken their toll...

On Apr 7, 2002

Hi folks. Long time no see. Just wanted to return the favour to all the American members who helped contact Nestle last year. My email to Nabisco is sent.

(PB Oreos? Sounds mighty unappetizing to me...)

On Apr 7, 2002

Welcome back, Arachide! We missed you!

Amy

On Apr 8, 2002

This is the reply that I received to my email:

"Thanks for visiting our web site. We appreciate your interest in our Nabisco products.

Nabisco products are not routinely produced on dedicated lines, and our production schedules are subject to change. If a product is produced on shared equipment, every reasonable precaution is taken to avoid contact with the eight major allergens recognized by the FDA--wheat, soy, peanuts,tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, and shellfish.

Should cross contact with a food allergen in our production environment be unavoidable, appropriate labeling of the food allergen is implemented. When appropriate, allergen labeling is used in addition to, and not in place of good manufacturing practices.

Please add our site, [url="http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,"]http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,[/url] to your bookmarks and visit us again soon!"

[This message has been edited by Colleen's Mom (edited April 08, 2002).]

On Apr 8, 2002

As I continue to think about this one, it just ticks me off further! Here is another example of a large American company that owns the same company here in Canada that produces Oreos. However, our Oreos will probably remain either "safe" or labeled as "unsafe". I quite frankly don't understand it. If the Canadian subsidiary of a large American company is able to label or even run products on dedicated lines for say a 10th of the population of the U.S. what the hell is wrong with the American corporations? Seriously! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img]

I'm now beginning to wonder if it has something to do with government labeling and manufacturing practices and if by contacting, I guess, the FDA in America, and CFIA in Canada, we could get the answer to this question that continues to boggle my mind.

If you're doing things *right* in Canada, why can't you do it *right* in the U.S. where you have ten times as many customers? It just doesn't make sense to me.

What further enangers me is that the Nabisco line of cookies here (Mr. Christie's) are the only "safe" cookies that I have found for PA people. Dare are not safe. And, as with Smarties, (although I can't remember having Oreos as a child, but then please remember my age [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img] ) , what child shouldn't be able to eat an Oreo?

I still have to contact Nabisco Canada and will post my response from Nabisco U.S. as soon as I get it. If it's like the one from the person who posted above me, I'll remain angry as all hell! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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On Apr 8, 2002

My question is (along with some other people): Who determines, or what criteria determines "cross-contamination" at Nabisco?

They admit that they don't use dedicated lines, so to me that means they should label everything "may contain" or "made on shared lines" etc. - but maybe they think their cleaning practices are "good enough" so they don't label.

Do *I* think that's "good enough"? Not really, but we have used Nabisco products with no problem so far - thankfully. (That's not to say we will continue, though!!)

I guess I would like to know exactly what we're dealing with: shared or dedicated lines, made in, or may contain, or PERFECTLY SAFE! (That must be too much to ask.)

Take care, Tammy

On Apr 8, 2002

Although other members are contacting Nabisco Canada as well, here is the e-mail that I just sent them at [url="http://www.nabisco.ca"]www.nabisco.ca[/url] I'll post a response when I get one:-

I have two inquiries. I am the parent of a severely peanut allergic 6 year old. We have recently heard that Nabisco U.S. is planning to make a peanut butter Oreo cookie. I am wondering if this is a possibility also in Canada? Also, recently, when shopping, I came across a package of Peanut Butter Chips Ahoy cookies. In the past, I have always been informed that there is a concrete barrier dividing your plant (on Lakeshore Blvd. in Toronto) between the part of the plant that has peanuts and the part that doesn't. Is this still true? Does this mean that the Peanut Butter Chips Ahoy are manufacturered in a totally SEPARATE part of your plant? Or, if not, are they run on dedicated lines? Is there a potential for cross-contamination with regular Chips Ahoy cookies? As you may be aware, Mr. Christie's are the only "safe" cookie for PA individuals to consume and we hope that you will continue to be so (I know that some of Peek Frean cookies are "safe"). I would really appreciate your response as we are greatly concerned about both products. Also, I do have to say that the labeling for the Peanut Butter Chips Ahoy is not as *good* as it could be. If you were a *normal* shopper, which unfortunately you can't be when you have a child with a food allergy, you would easily grab one of the Peanut Butter Chips Ahoy bags by mistake. The Peanut Butter part isn't *out there* enough. Thank-you for your time and consideration.

And, my apologies, as you can see, it also involved the *issue* of the pb Chips Ahoy cookies I just recently saw.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 8, 2002

Here's the response I got to my email. Not very encouraging:

------------------------------------------ Thanks for contacting our Web site!

If peanut is included in our product it will be listed in the ingredient line.

We are working on listing fod allergens in plain English terms.

Note that formulas may change and the best source of information is the ingredient line.

--------------------------------------------

So they didn't say whether or not they'd be on dedicated lines. And what do they mean by "if peanut is included"--do they mean cross-contamination?

On Apr 8, 2002

I just spoke to Nabisco and the executive representative I spoke to said she had talked to the QA (quality assurance) manager responsible for Oreos and that at this time the peanut butter oreo will not be made on the same line as the regular oreo. According to her, Nabisco would label for cross-contamination if a product is made on the same production line as peanut containing products.

On Apr 8, 2002

I hope it's not made on the same line as the chocolate ones and the double stuff ones.

On Apr 8, 2002

Joanne, that is very interesting- here is what I got (which I will regard as being the "same story" as Colleen's mom and a few others... basically they decide arbitrarily what is "clean enough" and label nothing as "may contain")

"While we have some products which run on dedicated lines, most of our lines are designed to be convertIble to other products with the appropriate sanitation procedures to ensure a safe changeover

We take special precautions to thoroughly clean and sanitize all our production lines between product changeovers

We build these cleaning procedures into our safety systems to make sure there is no carryover from allergenic proteins, for example: when switching from nut-containing products to one without nuts

We are confident in the sanitation procedures we have in place

Please add our site to your bookmarks, and visit us again soon!"

*They* may be confident in their sanitation procedures... not so sure that I am. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]

On Apr 8, 2002

Well, from the Nabisco responses so far, I'd have to say this was certainly a good company to TAKE ACTION with! Mind boggling! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img] I'm still waiting for my responses from both Nabisco U.S. and in Canada.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 9, 2002

E-mailed them today.

------------------ Peanut/Nut-free wishes, Victoria

On Apr 9, 2002

I think Nabisco Canada (Christie) has a concrete barrier between the nut and non-nut sections of their Lakeshore Road factory in Toronto.

However, I emailed Nabisco USA to find out if they have dedicated lines due to the concern about the new peanut butter OREOS. The reply was they do not have dedicated lines. Therefore, even if they do not make peanut butter OREOS, other peanut products could contiminate regular OREOS? I guess we need to know what "every reasonable precaution" actually means. Do they have the same definition of reasinable as we have. I think I will stick to the "made in Canada" cookies as they sound more safe.

Here is their reply to me:

"Thanks for visiting our web site. We appreciate your interest in our Nabisco products.

Please add our site, [url="http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,"]http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,[/url] to your bookmarks and visit us again soon!Sent: Friday,"

On Apr 9, 2002

Just sent my email. I took the $$$ approach with them.

I understand that Nabisco plans on producing a peanut butter filled Oreo. Please, please do not manufacture peanut butter Oreos in the same plant as the original Oreos. If you do, you will potentially eliminate the sale of your product to millions of peanut allergic children who's parents, such as myself, will no longer purchase your product. The loss of sales will occur, no matter how well you 'sanitize' your lines in between batches. Because most parents of peanut allergic children will only purchase products produced in a 'peanut free' facility. I know all decision in corporate America are usually based on the 'bottom line', please consider this issue before you make your final decision as to where this product will be manufactured. Note: For the moment, Oreos are the only 'safe' prepackaged cookie that parents of peanut allergic can purchase.

On Apr 9, 2002

I can't bear the thought of once again having to tell Patricia that she can't have a food she has been eating before because it is no longer safe. Poor kid. She is going to grow up hating corporate America and restaurants and bakeries, all because people in this country are so d*** obsessed with their stupid rights to eat peanuts in mass quantities.

Geez...if a food company suddenly decided to produce fertilizer or DDT or Cyanide on a line next to their regular food products, everyone would see that as a problem. Why is it not a concern when the food could be contaminated by peanuts or nuts that is known to kill small children and adults alike? Makes me sooooo angry! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img]

Amy

On Apr 9, 2002

I spoke with a Nabisco rep today. I had previously emailed and got the canned letter they sent out so I decided to call too. The rep started reading the script they are given and I asked if I could please interupt her. I said that it sounded like she was just reading something to me and would she please just skip that and answer some of my questions. I asked if there were going to be dedicated lines and she said Nabisco routinely does not use dedicated lines. She stated that there would be a warning label on anything that could be a problem. I asked in what way they determined if a label would be put on and would it be labeled for cross contamination. She said that she did not know how they determined if a label would be put on and there was no one there who did. It was a very lengthy conversation and I basically do not know any more than I did when I called. She did say, though, that they had a special meeting about the PB Oreo situation this morning. So---apparently the emails and phone calls are being noticed. I would encourage everyone to keep calling and keep emailing and have everyone you know call and email! We are getting their attention if they are having special meetings about this.

On Apr 9, 2002

Just sent my email. This is what I sent:

"I understand that your company will be making a peanut butter Oreo cookie. As a mother of a deathly peanut allergic child, I am pleading with you to run this new type of cookie on dedicated lines. The regular Oreo cookie is the only safe cookie my child can eat and I'm sure you would not want to lose a faithful customer because the two types of cookies are not run on dedicated lines. In fact, I am quite certain that you would lose MANY customers if you don't do this as there many parents of peanut allergic children who are not comfortable with companies "cleaning" in between runs. Please let me know what your process is with respect to the PB Oreos and the regular Oreos. Thank you for your consideration of this matter."

I'll post a response if I get one.

On Apr 9, 2002

Whoops! Double post.

[This message has been edited by Suz-a-loo (edited April 10, 2002).]

On Apr 10, 2002

Are regular Oreos run on their own line? I ask because everyone is calling them "the only safe cookie" - if they aren't run on a dedicated line, they aren't exactly safe either, are they? It seems from the answers given so far, that everything Nabisco makes is run on shared lines - that would include the regular Oreos, wouldn't it? (I know there is a thread around here about Oreos in particular, so I'll look for it. We don't eat Oreos much, although we have without a problem.)

We are all trying to figure out Nabisco's labeling procedure. It comes back to everyone's comfort zone with sanitizing, etc., but are we sending mixed messages about keeping the original Oreos "safe" if they're run on shared lines, and are, therefore, not really safe for some of us?

Going to find that thread, Tammy

Edit: Found the thread. There was a great deal of confusion about the whole thing then, too. (Under Manufacturers/Food)

[This message has been edited by Lam (edited April 10, 2002).]

On Apr 10, 2002

Here is the response I got from Nabisco after sending an e-mail regarding keeping regular oreos "safe"

"Thanks for visiting our web site. We appreciate your interest in our Nabisco products.

Please add our site, [url="http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,"]http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,[/url] to your bookmarks and visit us again soon!"

Makes me think they were never and never will be safe.

On Apr 10, 2002

It seems that the USA Oreos are not made on dedicated nut-free lines so even if they decide not to make peanut butter Oreos, maybe they are still not safe.

I have heard that Christie in Toronto makes their Oreos and Fudgeos in a nut-free part of the Lakeshore Blvd factory - I will email them to find out for sure.

And Peak Frean cookies (made in East York I think?) should be fine also as I do not think they make any peanut cookies but I will need to email them too. Although I think they use another type of nut in the factory (not peanuts).

On Apr 10, 2002

Before this whole PB Oreo was announced I really trusted Nabisco. I always bought the Chips Ahoy (blue and the chocolate lovers brown bag). Now I'm not so sure. Dylan had a mystery reaction about 6 weeks ago, shortly after eating chips ahoy. No itchy mouth, just hives on his arms and chest. We really didn't know what it came from, figured it might not even be peanut related, now I'm not so sure. I hate to put another company on his "can't eat" list. Karen

On Apr 10, 2002

erik, I had e-mailed Mr. Christie's on Lakeshore Blvd. West as well (well, through the [url="http://www.nabisco.ca"]www.nabisco.ca[/url] website) to confirm, if, in fact, there is a concrete barrier in the plant. This is what I have always been told.

However, since you live in Toronto, which I no longer do, how about you actually go there and find out for all of us Canadian Mr. Christie cookie buyers? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] I could give you good directions as I did grow up in the area and worked right across the street from the plant (no, not in one of the seedy motels [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img])

Someone else had mentioned in a separate thread re companies with their line about cleaning properly, dis-assembling equipment, etc. that they would actually like to schedule a tour of the plant. If I was in Toronto at this point, I would be checking out Christie's. Of course, I'm not saying that you should.

Curiously enough, while others have received responses to their e-mails to both Nabisco U.S. and Nabisco Canada, I'm still waiting for mine. I suspect they've been flooded and I'm really pleased about that!

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 10, 2002

Hi Cindy...

Yes.. I would like to tour the Christie plant in Etobicoke and the Peak Freans plant in East YOrk, as those are the two brands of cookies I usually eat.

I know where the Christie factory is [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] .. I see the Christie water tower when I am along the QEW by the Humber River. Actually, they are knocking down all those seedy motels and replacing them with luxury condomiums in that area so it looks quiet different these days.

I'll keep you updated .. ttyl [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

On Apr 11, 2002

Sent my e-mail off today. Remember Nestle Canada(thanks to all our American friends who contacted them) no one thought we had a chance of reversing their decision!

Strength in numbers, if we keep this up they will have to take notice! Anyone have any media contacts over there? Nestle started to listen when the media got involved here in Canada and portrayed them in a not so nice way.

Keep it up!

Regards,

Katiee (Wade's mom)

On Apr 11, 2002

Cindy and erik,

In Cayley's thread "New PB Oreo's campaign to keep reg.oreo's safe", I wrote that I sent Nabisco an e-mail requesting a tour because I have a group interested in their sanitization procedures. I still haven't received a response from them regarding that or the cookies.

Since Erik lives right there this would be great for him to go on a tour (spy camera glasses)wired up to take recordings...he could be our James Bond [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

On Apr 11, 2002

Well, I heard back from Nabisco. I received the exact same response that "Natural" received. Looks like they are sending out form responses that aren't very specific. Anyways, I felt compelled to respond and let them know they have lost a customer. Here is my response I sent:

"Thank you for your reply. Although you didn't specifically state it, it sounds like you just clean in between runs. Unfortunately, we cannot take that kind of a risk. There is always a possibility that the lines were not cleaned properly. It only takes an incredibly tiny amount of the peanut allergen to be there and my child could have a fatal reaction. I'm sorry to say that we can no longer buy any of your products until we are assured that your products are run on dedicated lines."

On Apr 11, 2002

I guess my big concern about the whole pb oreos thing is that if they are running oreos, chances are that they are doing all flavors in the same plant at the same time. I already know that they do not have dedicated lines and they do make an effort to label anytime they cannot assure a "safe" product. I take that minute risk every time I give Patricia an oreo. After all, Nabisco does do nutter butters and pb sandwich ritz. (We don't do mini oreos anymore because of the mini pb ritz thing.) I just feel that if they start doing pb oreos, the risk will go way up.

My comfort zone is a lot looser than it used to be. I'm just as careful, just less anal about it. I think that when we speak to Nabisco about the pb oreos thing, we need to be clear about why we are so freaked out -- that we feel that it increases the risk of cross-contamination.

We would all like the American love affair with peanut butter to go sour. We would all also like companies to be completely open and honest. But let's at least set a standard that we are going to push for. What are we going to set it at? Totally dedicated lines? No pb oreos? Honest labeling? Honest info about what is run on particular lines? I think we will be most efficient if we are all pushing for a specific standard.

Just my $.02.

Amy

On Apr 12, 2002

Here is my e-mail:

Hello. I have just learned that all Nabisco products are made on shared lines. This concerns me because I am the parent of a peanut/tree nut allergic child.

My request is that Nabisco begin to label such information clearly on all products. Perhaps: "This product is made on shared lines with products that contain peanuts/tree nuts." (Of course, ANY of the top 8 allergens should be listed in such a fashion.)

I understand that when the machines are "cleaned thoroughly" between products, NABISCO feels it is not necessary to label the possibility of cross-contamination. As the parent of a severely food allergic child, I can tell you that it is absolutely necessary for me to know that bit of information! If the label clearly states the real risk involved, I can better choose whether or not I can safely take that risk for MY child and buy that product.

With Nabisco's current labeling procedure, I feel that the COMPANY is choosing whether or not the product is safe for my child (and hundreds of thousands of others). THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE.

PLEASE, seriously consider improving Nabisco's labeling procedure - for the safety of your valued customers.

Thank you. ------------------------------------------

I'll post whatever reply I get.

Take care, Tammy

On Apr 12, 2002

Thanks Tammy, for stating our feelings so eloquently!!

This has been EXACTLY what has me so enraged in the past month- the reponses I have been getting are just utterly unrelated to what I have been asking... the companies are taking the power to make well-considered decisions about this out of my control.

Maybe FAAN likes this "we use GMP, no cross-contamination here" business- but I don't.

On Apr 12, 2002

I have written to Susan Dominus, who wrote the Food Allergy Prison article for the New York Times Magazine last August. Having the Times do a follow up to this is really a long shot, but I figured, what the heck.

Wouldn't a little exploration into Nabisco by the NYT be sweet? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img]

Amy

On Apr 14, 2002

i yust wright to Nabisco lets hope it helps good luck Thomas and Marina

On Apr 17, 2002

Here is the response I received from Kraft Kitchens Canada to my e-mail (posted above). I am really ticked off because they didn't address my particular concerns or even answer my question about the supposed concrete barrier in the Mr. Christie's plant. I now have to pull off my e-mail from here and e-mail it to them again. A generic e-mail, I hate it! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 17, 2002

Sent my e-mail today.

------------------ Stay Safe, Fran

On Apr 17, 2002

Sent my email. Has anyone heard a final verdict?

------------------

On Apr 17, 2002

Well, this is the response I *finally *got today:

~~~~~~~~

Thank you for your e-mail Carolyn.

The product that you are inquiring about is an American Christie Product and it is not available in Canada at this time.

As per our allergen policy, we will continue to label our products accordingly. If you have any concerns about peanut/ nut cross contamination, please verify that these items are not on the ingredient list when purchasing the product.

Thank you for sharing your questions and concerns.

Please bookmark our site and visit often!

~~~~~~~~

Like, helloooooo... I did specify in my e-mail (see page 1 of this thread) that I *knew* this was an American issue. Sheesh. Thanks for nothing.

Carolyn

To dalesmom - there is no final verdict yet. I want to contact Chris again to see if he's talked to a Nabisco rep. I'll keep everyone posted.

On Apr 17, 2002

I received the same underwhelming response as Carolyn.

On Apr 18, 2002

I received the same message as Carolyn and JoannaG on April 16, didn't post it. It seems there missing our message and point.

[This message has been edited by smack (edited April 18, 2002).]

On Apr 18, 2002

Same canned response here:

Thanks for visiting our web site. We appreciate your interest in our Nabisco products.

Please add our site, [url="http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,"]http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,[/url] to your bookmarks and visit us again soon! --------------------------------

Disappointing, isn't it?

On Apr 18, 2002

Now that this is a three pager, I got to read some of the posts previous to my last one on the second page. First of all, my apologies for not having copied my response from Kraft Kitchens into my last post. It was the same one Cayley's Mom received. I am ticked off. I have e-mailed them again and told them that there response was unacceptable.

erik, it would be wonderful if you could check out the Mr. Christie's plant! I thought I had heard about the re-development of that part of the Lakeshore area. There's some pretty good, lakefront land there, and let's face it, no tourists would be using those motels! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/eek.gif[/img] If you do get there, please let us know! And at least you don't need directions!

I'm still waiting for my response from Nabisco U.S. who I e-mailed prior to Nabisco Canada. Still hoping that they're really overwhelmed.

Katiee, you're absolutely correct. Strength in numbers!

Oh, did every other Canadian's e-mail from Nabisco Canada say that there were no plans for pb Oreos "at this time"? Mine did. Not really an answer to my question. I guess they'll wait and see how the bloody things take off in the U.S. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/mad.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 18, 2002

I've only just now become aware of this issue because we were traveling and then moved to a new house, so my computer hasn't gotten any attention from me lately! I am truly devastated to hear about this new oreo product. I did send off an e-mail, and I am so thankful to Cayley's Mom for bringing this to our attention. I hope and pray that we are getting to them early enough to make a difference. I wish they would pull this darn product altogether, but that seems hopeless. Thank goodness for this web-site. Miriam

On Apr 18, 2002

Thank you for your e-mail Sylvia.

The product that you are inquiring about is an American Christie Product and it is not available in Canada at this time.

As per our allergan policy, we will continue to label our products accordingly. If you have any concerns about peanut/nut cross contamination, please verify that these items are not on the ingredient list when purchasing the product.

Thank you for sharing your questions and concerns.

Please bookmark our site and visit often!

Service Request Number: 1-2741574

On Apr 18, 2002

this is the letter that I e-mailed them with.

Dear Sirs,

My six year old has a "life threatening peanut allergy" and only eats Oreo's and Chips Ahoys.

If your company starts making "Oreo PB cookies on lines shared with regular oreo cookies, then my son and all of the "peanut allergic children and adults could never eat another Oreo cookie ever again and feel safe.

I beg of you to keep your regular Oreo cookies on "dedicated lines". MY child started kindergarten this past fall and takes oreo cookies for snack every single day.

I have a family member who works for Nabisco for many years. I have always supported Nabisco and Kraft products, but If Nabisco will not keep their regular Oreo cookies on dedicated lines then I will rethink my ways and boycott all Nabisco/Kraft products.

Thank you for taking time to read my letter.

Here is the response that I received from the Kraft Online team:

Thank you for contacting our web-site!

While we have some products which run on dedicated lines, most of our lines are designed to be convertible to other products with the appropiate sanitation procedures to ensure a safe changeover.

We take special precaution to thoroughly clean and sanitize all our production lines between product changeovers.

We build these cleaning procedures into our safety systems to make sure there is no carry over from allergenic proteins, for example when switching from nut-containing products to one without nuts.

We are confident in the sanitation procedures we have in place.

Well that is the response that I received. They may feel comfortable in regards to their procedures but I certainly do not.

Renee

On Apr 19, 2002

This came today in response to my question if we can bring a tour in to observe their sanitization process they use for cleaning their machines.

Thank you for your e-mail.

Unfortunately we do not offer tours to the public at this time. I will forward your suggestion in having tours of our facilities to the appropriate department.

Thank you for your interest in our company.

Ilona Kraft Kitchens

Service Request Number: 1-2859879

P.S..I thought every factory offered tours?

On Apr 19, 2002

Just sent my two cents' worth.

On Apr 19, 2002

Just received the same canned response as Lam! Sent them another message telling them that this is totally unacceptable.

------------------ Stay Safe, Fran

On Apr 19, 2002

Here is the reply I received from Kraft Kitchens re whether they plan to produce pb Oreo cookies in Canada (still not a clear answer). At the top of this, you will find the e-mail that I have just sent asking them to please answer the specific questions I have asked them. So, you're actually reading things a** backwards, pardon me.

Thank-you for your reply. However, you have still not answered my question about whether or not there is a concrete barrier separating the part of your facility on Lakeshore Blvd. West between the peanut products producing part of the plant and the part that is "peanut free". I have been told this on numerous occasions, but since I am not in Toronto, I am not able to physically check to see if this is correct. It is the Mr. Christie's Plant on Lakeshore Blvd. West.

I would appreciate an answer to this question.

Also, did you pass my comments re the labeling of Peanut Butter Chips Ahoy onto anyone in Marketing or Labeling?

Many thanks and best wishes, Cindy Spowart Cook

>From: [email]canada.kitchens@kraft.com[/email] >Reply-To: [email]canada.kitchens@kraft.com[/email] >To: [email]cin42ca@hotmail.com[/email] >Subject: >Date: 19 Apr 2002 15:23:45 -0400 > >Thank you for your e-mail Cindy. > >As far as the american products go, we dont have any plans right now to make the Peanut Butter Oreo for Canada. > >All of our products that contains peanuts are made in a seperate part of our plants. > >They are never in contact or, even close to being in contact with traces of peanuts. > >If they are possibilities of being contaminated, there will be a very visible disclaimer on our packages. > >We thank you and hope that this information is helpful. > > > > >Service Request Number: 1-2873106 > > >Stephane >Kraft Kitchens

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 22, 2002

I saw the new PB Oreos on the shelf at Kroger for the first time Saturday. I had also written to Nabisco and received the same "sanitation procedures" response that many of you received. Anyway, they were right next to traditional Oreos on the shelf, so that alone was reason for me to not buy the regular ones. The regular Oreos did not have a "may contain" lable. I had to explain to my 3-year-old pa son about why we couldn't buy them. His questions tore my heart out.."Do our Oreos at home have pb on them? Why is there pb on those Oreos? Why don't the people take the pb off those Oreos? I guess we'll have to wait for Oreos that don't have pb. Oh, Mommy, I'm so worried about the pb on those Oreos..."

On Apr 22, 2002

Hi! I haven't posted in a while! We saw the Oreos this weekend at Walmart My family is in shock no more Oreo's!! I e-mailed them this morning. I hope we can convince them to do the right thing. After reading the posts I now wonder if they were ever safe. This really worries me! Thanks let me know what all I can do to help! Michelle

On Apr 22, 2002

Hi, I just saw the PB Oreos in our local Foodtown. I had all 3 kids with me today and had to explain to them why we couldn't buy ANY Nabisco products. I know I'm probably going overboard but you know what, I don't trust them anymore. My 5 yo PA son understood, my 9yo non-PA son was devistated. Why do I feel so guilty? I know I shouldn't but I do.

Karen

On Apr 22, 2002

I've sent my request. Hope they listen.

On Apr 24, 2002

Found it! Please note the "every reasonable precaution" statement. What do the call "reasonable"?

Thanks for visiting our web site. We appreciate your interest in our Nabisco products.

Please add our site, [url="http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,"]http://www.Nabiscoworld.com/,[/url] to your bookmarks and visit us again soon!

On Apr 25, 2002

Here's mine. I'll post any reply I get.

Dear Nabisco, I have read many posts and replies concerning your introduction of peanut butter Oreos on the PeanutAllergy.com website. My son has a life threatening allergy to peanuts and Oreos is the one and only cookie we bought. We will no longer be buying this product (and therefore, no other Nabisco cookie). While I had previously thought that Oreos were "safe" for those with a peanut allergy, I have learned that perhaps this is not the case. Is it true that most of your manufacturing lines are designed to accomodate many different products, thus running nut-containing products on the same lines as no nut-containing products at any given time? I am aware of your "cleaning" practices, but if any of you have children, perhaps you understand my reticence at trusting something like this with my child's LIFE. It strikes me as odd that such a (formerly) beloved and trusted company is so allergy-UNaware. With such a huge variety of products, how is it possible that there cannot be dedicated lines for non-nut products? Surely all of your Oreo products alone bring in millions of dollars. Your company is losing a lot of customers with the introduction of your peanut butter Oreo. Sure, the peanut allergy population is relatively small, but our voices are BIG and are heard by our many family members, friends, and anyone willing to take up a cause. Good-bye, Nabisco! Sincerely, Dawn

On Apr 25, 2002

I just called Nabisco and was told that the pb oreos are not presently run on the same line as any of the other Oreo products. Will some of you other guys call to see if they give you the same answer? The lady I spoke to was very nice and answered my question directly - yes she read me the cookie cutter answer of every reasonable precaution is taken...yadda, yadda, yadda but then she looked up the answer to my question. Which is good because I wasn't going to let her off the hook with just that cookie cutter, read the label, answer.

On Apr 25, 2002

I saw the new Oreos in the supermarket today. I guess I had some small form of denial working until I saw them with my own eyes, because when I looked at that package today I almost cried. I broke the news to Kevin a few days ago; he really howled. I feel like contacting a Nabisco grand poobah, and asking them to come to my house and explain this to my son.

Amy

On Apr 26, 2002

Here is the response I received from Kraft Kitchens on behalf of Nabisco Canada. They still didn't answer me directly about whether there is a concrete barrier in the plant on Lakeshore Blvd. West, as I have asked (so erik [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] will have to make a trip there for sure [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] ) but I guess this is as far as I'm going to get with them. Also, has anyone else not had an answer from Nabisco U.S.? I haven't.

Here's the Canadian answer:-

Thank you for your e-mail Cindy.

Further to my initial e-mail to you:

The product you are inquiring about, "Oreo Double Delights" - a peanut butter Oreo product, is made by a U.S. copacker for the US market.

At the bakery where Peanut Butter Chips Ahoy are made, products made for the Canadian market that do not contain peanuts as a component in the ingredient line, continue to have a peanut warning. - " May contain trace amounts of peanut/nut residues".

I hope this information is helpful.

Christina KRAFT Kitchens

Service Request Number: 1-2724693

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

------------------

On Apr 26, 2002

I'm semi-stuck in the house for a few days, and have had plenty of time to dwell on this Nabisco situation. So I decided to write a letter directly to Nabisco's CEO. When I called Nabisco for the name and address, they balked over giving it to me. However, I eventually got it. Here it is -

Betsy Holden, CEO Kraft Foods 1 Kraft Court Glenview, IL 60025

The customer rep asked if she could help, and I told her quite frankly probably not. I told her of our experiences getting conflicting information, and she told me that their latest information is that the peanut Oreos will be made in a separate facility, and that if they have to alter a run the packaging will reflect that.

Think I'll get a response?

Amy

On Apr 26, 2002

Why do they keep talking about where those Oreos are "going to be made"? They're making them now!

On Apr 26, 2002

I have been so busy with things here that I have not had a chance to let you know that I did mail about the pb oreo cookies. no response yet. take care claire

On Apr 30, 2002

I just called Nabisco and for the second time I was told that the pb oreos are made in a separate facility than the other oreos.

On Apr 30, 2002

Here's the reply I received today after my latest reply to Nabisco (Kraft On-Line Team) stating their original response was "unacceptable".

"Thanks for visiting our Web site again. We certainly appreciate your taking the time to contact us. We do understand your concern. We hope this information is helpful to you. As you know, we have recently launched OREO Double Delight Peanut Butter 'n Chocolate Creme Chocolate Sandwich Cookies that contain peanut.

Our other OREO products (OREO Sandwich cookies, DOUBLE STUF, Chocolate Creme OREO, Mini OREO, Chocolate Mini OREO, Fudge Covered OREO, White Fudge Covered OREO, Fudge Covered Mint OREO, Halloween OREO, Smilin' OREO, Spring OREO, as well as OREO Crunchies, Crumbs, Crusts, and Cones) are manufactured in other facilities or on other lines and do not contain peanuts.

We ask that you continue to check the ingredient statement on all products, as production schedule for new and existing products are always subject to change.

We do hope that you find this helpful. Thanks for contacting us again."

At this point I don't know what to believe! I just stopped purchasing them and started baking cookies myself.

------------------ Stay Safe, Fran

On May 1, 2002

How aggravating is this? In light of the email from Kraft/Nabisco that Fran just received, above, I sent the following message:

_____________________________________

I just have to follow up with another question...I belong to a large online community of people with, and parents of children with, severe food allergies. In the past two days, several members have emailed Kraft and received a different answer than the one I received previously. That is, they have been told that the Peanut Butter Oreo's are being made on completely different lines than the other Oreo products.

Could you please clarify which is true? Are the PB Oreo's being run on the same productions lines as the regular Oreo's, or are they run on separate lines? ___________________________________

And guess what? I got the EXACT same response I received the first time...and I even copied the initial response into my email above! ____________________________________

Thank you for visiting our web site!

We will still have the regular oreos available

While we have some products which run on dedicated lines, most of our lines are designed to be convertIble to other products with the appropriate sanitation procedures to ensure a safe changeover

We take special precautions to thoroughly clean and sanitize all our production lines between product changeovers

We build these cleaning procedures into our safety systems to make sure there is no carryover from allergenic proteins, for example: when switching from nut-containing products to one without nuts

We are confident in the sanitation procedures we have in place

Please add us to your bookmarks, and visit us again! _______________________________________

What is going on here? I'm really angry now...all I want is a straight answer...

Lori

On May 1, 2002

Both times that I have called, the reps. have read me the same statement from the computer but then go on to say more specifically that the pb oreos are made in a separate facility. Is it possible that if you e-mail them, you automatically get the canned statement that someone in the PR department has written and if you call you get more accurate info?

On May 1, 2002

Does anyone know who the president of Kraft is??? Maybe we can start handwriting letters to the president in regards to keeping oreo's safe. If we can inlist our friends and families and any organizations that we may belong to,to send letters on behalf our our PA children/adults maybe then we will get some results from the company.

My brother in law works for Kraft/Nabisco in New Jersey so I will e-mail my sister to get any of the head honcho's names and addresses for the company. I will let everyone know as soon as I can get any information.

Best wishes,

Renee [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

On May 1, 2002

I think I asked this before, but maybe not this directly...

Are we sending mixed messages by asking Nabisco to "keep the regular Oreos safe", when they've been made on shared lines all along??

Maybe this is one of those comfort zone issues. Maybe some of us feel the regular Oreos HAVE been safe all along, even though they've been on shared lines - without proper labeling?

I'm concerned that we may be sending the wrong message. Isn't the labeling at the heart of the whole issue? Perhaps for some, but not for others? I'm getting a bit confused, I think.

On May 1, 2002

Renee,

Check back on this thread to my post of 4/26 - I included the Kraft CEO's name and address. If you can't get it for any reason let me know and I will re-post it.

Amy

On May 1, 2002

Amy (going nuts)

Thank you, I must have missed this when I was crusing through the comments today. I think that we all need to send this woman a letter. I will be writing my letter tonight.

thanks,

renee [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

On May 4, 2002

Hello,

I e-mailed my sister in regards to finding out about pb oreo's. From what my sister has told me PB Oreo's are not made in the same facility as regular oreo's.

They are produced with an outside manufacturer. My BIL works for Kraft in New Jersey but was originally from Nabisco.

best wishes,

Renee [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

On May 4, 2002

Much to my family's dismay, I no longer purchase Nabisco products. Stupid me thought everything was on dedicated lines all along. I do feel now that the cross contamination Dylan had in Feb. was due to Chips Ahoy (in the blue bag) which I didn't think at the time. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]

On May 5, 2002

I sent my plea to Nabisco and will call tomorrow. These companies are all about dollars and cents. If we continue to hit them up with the fact that our entire school(s) will not allow any oreo product if it turns out that these cookies are made in the same facility, we may make headway. I will not give up!!!!!!!

On May 7, 2002

I went to Food lion Saturday and guess what was at the front of the store. PB/choc Oreos! I was so mad all the way through the store I could hardly remember what I came for. With all of the Peanut allergy awareness going on you would think that some of the people would get the idea. Why mess up a good thing. I emailed my 2 cents!!!!!!!

On May 7, 2002

I received a long written letter from Nabisco essentially repeating what we've heard before; that the PB OReos will be made in a separate facility or on separate lines, but to check the ingredient statement just in case a last minute change necessitates running them on a different line.

I came away from the letter feeling that they are probably safe, and that Nabisco is covering it's collective you-know-what. But then the neurotic mom voice pipes up and says, but what if? I really hate this, and certainly don't think anything has really been resolved.

Amy

On May 8, 2002

When I sat down at the computer today...this is what I found. My year old son had written this letter which I will mail to Nabisco.

STOP MAKING OREOS WITH PEANUT BUTTER!!

Hello I am Thomas R------- of North Carolina. I am very upset that you make oreo cookies with peanut butter. I am severely allergic to peanuts. Even if you wash the machines you could still send me to the emergency room. So me and 1 million other kids will never have oreos again. They where my favorite cookies! I am 10 and am trying to make a difference for the first time. So please get rid of the peanut butter oreos. If you do you will make millions of peanut allergic kids thrilled and able to eat oreos again.

Maybe our kids can get to them. Let's try to get them to write letters and mail them and see if anything happens.

On May 12, 2002

Hi everyone! Been a long time. Just finished my grocery shopping and ran across the peanut butter oreos. Needless to say - I'm ticked! Thought I'd see if anyone else had found these goodies and I see I'm way behind the times. Just glad everyone is taking action.

What I'm wondering, specifically for Cayley's Mom, is if she can remember what specific thing happened in our campaign with Kellogg's that made them sit up and take notice (even though we didn't like the response). It seems to me we really got their attention and if I remember correctly it was inadvertently through a CSR - but please correct me if I'm wrong. I see references to the Nestle issue - but really I don't think an American campaign will be as great as anything that happened with Nestle Canada.

Another avenue to explore media wise would be through Katie Couric (sp?) - doesn't she have a young relative with PA?

As always these days - gotta run too soon. Let me know what I can do beyond the letter and email campaign!

On May 12, 2002

Hey Philip's Mom! Great to see you around again. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Chris was the deciding factor that got us to the bottom of the Kellogg USA issue, IMHO. His phone calls to the "higher ups" really made the difference for us. Chris has indicated that unfortunately he's super busy with other PA projects right now - but he has promised to try to find time to call Nabisco and refer to this campaign. Until that happens, I'm afraid we're in a kind of limbo....

I have been following each and every post in this thread closely and believe me - I won't let this rest until we get a definitive answer on safe/unsafe OREOS. OK, I'm off to pester Chris with yet another e-mail.... [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

Carolyn

On May 12, 2002

It's been a verrrrrrrrrrry long time. I sent my letter in.

On May 17, 2002

DONE!!!!

On Jun 1, 2002

Just bringing this to the top again to keep it in everyone's mind. Maybe it's time to start sending 2nd letters and start making 2nd phonecalls!

On Jul 7, 2002

I just sent another letter.

On Jul 8, 2002

Maybe I just haven't taken notice, but I haven't seen these in my local grocery stores yet. I'm in NY (obviously!). Has anyone in my area seen them yet?

On Jul 9, 2002

Jus made a special trip down the cookie aisle this a.m. shopping at Wal*Mart and there they were.

On Jul 11, 2002

I know in the FAAN newsletter this past month Nabisco made a statement that the PB Oreos will be made in different plants as the regular Oreos. Is this something we should not trust? I have not given my dd Oreos yet as I am not sure whether to be comfortable with them or not. kcmom

On Jul 22, 2002

Wow, there seems to be nothing to hang onto. Definitely not a brand. Not even FAAN's report? I still feel fairly new at this (though it's been 10 months for us since PA diagnosis), but I thought that maybe I could calm down and trust FAAN's word. Wouldn't they do a thorough investigation before publicizing the safety of regular Oreos and stating that they are "made on different lines and do not contain peanut"?

On Jul 23, 2002

Cookie:

We all have our own comfort levels. I personally am patiently waiting for a reply to the two letters (by regular mail) and the one e-mail that I sent to Nabisco about this. I want it in writing that the regular oreos are still safe before I feed them to my child.

Jaime

On Jul 23, 2002

Quote:

Originally posted by Cookie: [b]Wouldn't they do a thorough investigation before publicizing the safety of regular Oreos and stating that they are "made on different lines and do not contain peanut"? [/b]

I would like to think so, but my gut feeling is that it's more likely FAAN simply published whatever statement Nabisco's Corporate Relations/Marketing department sent them. I would LOVE to be proven wrong, since we've nearly exhausted our supply of the "safe" Oreos.

Since we've received so much conflicting info from Nabisco about whether or not separate facilities are used to produce the pb version of Oreos, I question whether the marketing folks who contacted FAAN would have any better knowledge than anyone else at Nabisco would. They seem to be a company whose left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]

Someone please tell me I'm wrong...

Debbie

On May 19, 2003

Gosh, I hate to be a downer but has anyone noticed that regular Oreos contain peanut flour??? I have not given this food to my PA son for fear that he'd react to them. Is peanut flour SAFE????

On May 19, 2003

I have never seen peanut flour listed as an ingredient in regular Oreos. Could you specify the package size and what store and state you bought it in?

On May 19, 2003

I've also never seen peanut flour listed on the regular oreos. I did just see it on the new coffee flavor oreos yesterday. What a shame - sounds pretty yummy!

On May 20, 2003

See manufactures tread for why Nabisco list peanut flour as an ingredient in some Oreos. It

On May 20, 2003

Just sent my e-mail. I will also call tomorrow. Unfortunately being a relatively new PA mom I didn't even know this was a safe snack.

On May 21, 2003

Sorry, I misspoke. It was the Double Delight Oreos (mint flavor) that listed peanut flour as an ingredient, not the regular kind. Package was purchased in California.

On May 24, 2003

Thanks for visiting our website!

The only OREO cookies that contain any peanut ingredients -are the OREO Double Delight Chocolate Sandwich Cookies --Peanut Butter 'N Chocolate Creme, Mint 'N Creme and Coffee 'N Creme varieties. These are all manufactured on the same equipment and because of the potential for unavoidable cross-contact, the Mint and Coffee varieties list peanut flour in the ingredient statement. Other OREO products, including traditional OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, currently are produced in other facilities that do not produce Double Delight varieties and on production lines that do not produce peanut-containing products.

Please add our site to your bookmarks and visit us again soon!

Ref

So everyone please let me know if you feel comfy with these or not??????????? Has anyone else recieved a different response?

On May 24, 2003

Thanks for visiting our website!

Please add our site to your bookmarks and visit us again soon!

Ref

On Jun 16, 2003

When I heard about the peanut butter Oreos, I automatically took all Oreos off of my personal "safe" list. Even though it's been a year since this thread was started, I emailed the company today, adding my two cents about what damage peanut can do to an increasing number of PA consumers.

On Jun 16, 2003

Thanks for posting that answer for us, Danielle. I am totally comfortable with regular OREOS since they're not even made in the same facility as the PB ones.

Carolyn [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

By ElisaMelendez on Mar 6, 2012

I am a concerned parent and followed this thread as far as the year 2005. It is now 2012 and my son has been eating Oreo cookies all this time. I was not aware until now. I guess I think it safe to say that Nabisco was careful to separate the peanut butter Oreos from the rest because my son did not have a reaction, but I will investigate further. Thank you.