Contact: Bridget Winberg 763.293.4068 [email protected]

Meet Growing Patron Demand for Gluten Free Options with Betty Crocker® Dessert Mixes, ® Cereal and ® Yogurt

Great tasting, gluten-free products available from General Mills Foodservice

MINNEAPOLIS (April 25, 2011) - Foodservice operators are increasingly looking to meet the special dietary needs of patrons following a gluten-free lifestyle. That’s why General Mills Foodservice offers a growing number of gluten free products including Betty Crocker® Gluten Free dessert mixes, Chex® brand cereals, and Yoplait® yogurts.

“General Mills is committed to providing healthy, great tasting alternatives for people seeking to live gluten-free,” said Catherine Fox, marketing manager, General Mills Foodservice. “General Mills Foodservice recognizes the growing consumer demand for gluten-free products and we’re pleased to make gluten free products available to foodservice operators.”

People follow a gluten-free diet for many reasons, but it is a necessity for people with celiac disease who are unable to digest gluten. Gluten, the common name for the natural protein found in wheat, barley and rye, is harmful to persons with this autoimmune disease.

Once thought to be relatively uncommon, celiac disease affects more than 3 million Americans – that’s about 1 in 133 people, making it one of the most common genetically based diseases. As a result, foodservice operators are likely seeing an increased influx of patrons wanting and needing more gluten-free options.

To stay well, people with celiac disease must avoid gluten for the rest of their lives. Eating even a small amount of gluten can damage the small intestine. The damage will occur in anyone with the disease, including people without noticeable symptoms. Currently, there is no cure for celiac disease, only the lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.

For more information on serving patrons with special dietary needs, visit the General Mills Bell Institute of Health & Nutrition Web site and visit the General Mills Foodservice Web site for a complete list of gluten free products. About General Mills Foodservice General Mills Foodservice sells a wide array of high-quality products to operators in the foodservice and restaurant channels, delivering consistent quality and proven performance through its branded products including ®, Yoplait® yogurt, ® granola bars, Gold Medal® baking mixes, Pillsbury® biscuits and other sweet goods. The division generates more than $1.8 billion in annual sales.

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