Even in the case of things that are "naturally gluten free" there could be extra overhead to ensure that all the equipment used and raw ingredients are completely gluten free. If the owners want to pass that on to the consumer, so be it. If the consumer doesn't want to pay it, they can find some place else to each.
My comments, although not depicted, are separate. And, the first point was an obvious joke/troll - didn't think I needed the asterisk. I have two family members who have CD and I feel for them just as you do with your daughter. My comment about the gluten nut jobs was directed at folks such as this:
I don't think anyone is doubting that there are people who seriously can't come in contact with gluten. I think the people who see the trend happening and assume it's the healthier new diet to have but then complain when it costs extra to have gluten-free items or items that are verified to not be cross-contaminated that we are complaining about.
I have severe, life-threatening allergies and I totally understand that it costs extra to make non-dairy versions of meals, and soy is extra, and that making sure a facility/restaurant/whatever is absolutely not being contaminated costs extra in labor, education, products, etc. Yes, it's not MY fault that I have these allergies, but it's my lot in life and I've accepted that a latte is going to be extra for me. And I'm happy to pay more for a meal at Ethos, where I know I don't have to stress out before taking the first bite, than at a random restaurant where there's always a slight chance I'll end up in the hospital, or worse.
And if you want to talk said kids at birthday parties- I grew up never having a birthday cake, and watching other kids have ice cream and pizza and cake at my birthdays (because duh you have to feed your friends what they expect when you're a kid) and my mom would either have a bowl of grapes or baby carrots or a Hydrox cookie (the pre-oreo that was naturally vegan) and stick a candle in that for me to blow out on my birthdays. I would just advise instead of getting defensive try to educate us more about the disease.
And if you want to talk said kids at birthday parties- I grew up never having a birthday cake, and watching other kids have ice cream and pizza and cake at my birthdays (because duh you have to feed your friends what they expect when you're a kid) and my mom would either have a bowl of grapes or baby carrots or a Hydrox cookie (the pre-oreo that was naturally vegan) and stick a candle in that for me to blow out on my birthdays. I would just advise instead of getting defensive try to educate us more about the disease.
So (Knight of Pegasus) they have to charge you extra because they need to have a special fryer just for the gluten free fries. Same for the knives, plates, etc. They have to make sure it is really gluten free.
