What does it take to spark a gluten-free revolution? Meet Seaton and Jill Smith—celiac advocates, innovators, and changemakers whose journey helped transform gluten-free options for families everywhere. Featured on the latest episode of “Gluten Free Unwrapped” with Jenny Finke, their story blends resilience, community building, and a commitment to safe, trustworthy gluten-free living.
From Diagnosis to Action: The Smith Family Journey
When the Smith family was diagnosed with celiac disease in the early 1990s, choices for gluten-free living were limited. Instead of settling, they got to work: connecting with local support groups, sharing resources, and partnering to create lasting change. Their efforts helped build a supportive network for families and raised the bar for safety in gluten-free foods.
Raising the Bar: Certified Gluten-Free Oats
Driven by a need for truly safe ingredients—and knowing how tricky oats could be for those with celiac—the Smiths pioneered strict purity protocols and founded GF Harvest. Their dedication brought the first certified gluten-free oats to market, ensuring safety from field to table. These oats set a new industry benchmark and gave families a reliable choice for an often-questioned ingredient.
Innovating with LEO Verified: Portable Gluten Testing for Families
Retirement just opened new doors! The Smiths (now joined by Dr. Leo and a team of likeminded food safety advocates) helped create LEO Verification Systems—a portable gluten tester that gives everyday families the power to test their foods at home. With this breakthrough technology, gluten-free living became more accessible, empowering more people to eat confidently and safely.
Podcast Highlights:
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How a family diagnosis ignited lasting change in gluten-free safety
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The story behind bringing the FIRST certified gluten-free oats to market
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What “gluten free” really means—and how protocol matters for vulnerable ingredients
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Collaborating to make portable, reliable gluten testing a reality
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Practical advice for families, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating food safety
Why This Episode Matters:
The Smith family’s journey is proof that real transformation starts with passionate individuals who refuse to settle for less. Their advocacy—in oats, in testing, and in community—has helped millions find safer, happier ways to live gluten-free.
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