I don't risk it now. The problem being, one entire batch of the product may be fine, but the next you buy just could be contaminated

It's dicey, here in the US, I have actually seen stuff labeled as GLUTEN FRE E, and then when you check the ingredients, it says manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts, wheat, etc. We have to be so careful because, as another poster said, even if we don't get sick, we can still be causing ourselves damage. I try not to do this.

I agree with what the others have said so far. I guess you could chance it based on how bad your reaction is?

If you're just sensitive, taking risks is not that big of a deal. If you're allergic, it's best not to take the chance. From what I know of allergic reactions though, they get worse with exposure and age, so...

With the South African foods, were there other things in there that could cause a reaction to something else you might be allergic to, like peanuts or eggs?

^^ this ^^

I have severe reactions even though not tested as positive for celiac disease so I don't take a chance anymore. I have been made very sick by products that state that the facility processes some gluten containing foods. It really depends on how well they clean the machines/belts/hoppers, etc and let's face it - that's just generally too expensive a proposition for every product processed /packaged at a factory. That's why I have to buy labelled clean oats - not grown in rotation with wheat or rye or processed in a facility that has processed gluten containing grains. If you are very allergic or reactive you also need to check other things besides foods like makeups/lipsticks and shampoos, etc as they also can cause reactions because they use wheat proteins in their composition.