POSTAL workers in Watford have condemned a company mail-shot containing baking powder, which will be posted to homes in the area and throughout the UK this month.

The mailing is being sent out by Glutafin, which produces Gluten-free products for people diagnosed with Coeliac, an intolerance to the gluten protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats.

Postal workers have been informed by Royal Mail the mail-shot is legitimate. However, some fear the scheme will induce panic among the public after the anthrax scare in Hatfield last month.

A spokesman for Glutafin explained the mail-shot will be sent out in vacuum-sealed plastic bags to people who have requested free samples and are expecting it.

The spokesman said: "We didn't want to alarm people so we decided to contact Royal Mail. We just thought to be sensible but I think it was us being over-cautious."

November 6, 2001 19:40

Caroline Graham