Coors has gluten-free beer, but not close to us

Along with Pizza Hut's plan to introduce a gluten-free pizza, the other big gluten-free news this week was the announcement that Coors Brewing Co. is coming out with a gluten-free beer.

Unfortunately, we won't be seeing it anywhere near Northeast Florida. Coors is introducing the beer in the Seattle and Portland markets, with no plans to expand its distribution.

The beer, called Coors Peak, is made with water, brown rice malt, brown rice, protein from peas, hops and caramel sugar, according to a company spokeswoman.

It will be brewed separately from other beers to ensure a gluten-free certification, she said.

The best news out of this for us is that more major food and beverage companies are coming out with gluten-free products, and these companies are not being cavalier about it. They understand the issues of celiac disease and gluten intolerance and are taking steps to make these products safe. I'm hoping to see more of this.