Applegate partners with Autism Hope Alliance in US

US organic meat producer Applegate has partnered with Autism Hope Alliance (AHA), the first non-profit foundation for autism arising from the natural foods industry.

Applegate claims to offer more than 65 autism approved food items that are produced in accordance with a gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet.

The GFCF diet is said to reduce inflammation caused by eating foods with gluten and casein.

AHA president Kristin Selby Gonzalez said: “When you have a child with autism so many things change, but mealtime shouldn’t be one of those things.

“Bringing the family together for a meal is so vital, which is why we look to partner with brands like Applegate that offer gluten-free and dairy-free options for our families. We feel if a child can feel good, then they can do good.”

Applegate’s GFCF products range includes Applegate Organics Chicken and Maple Breakfast Sausage, Applegate Naturals Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets, and Applegate Naturals Beef Hot Dog.

Applegate marketing vice-president Nicole Glenn said: “We recognise that allergens are a serious matter for many families and is one of the motivating factors as to why we choose to keep our ingredient lists simple and clean.

“Transparency is one of our core values, which is why we make it easy to search for specific allergens on our website in addition to labelling common allergens on product packaging.”

Established in 1987, Applegate produces natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese, and frozen products. In July 2015, Applegate became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods.