Greetings! –
Coconut is not a tree nut, yet the FDA classifies it that way in its Food and Allergen Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) guidance document.
The 2004 Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires foods to declare “major food allergens” (defined as: Milk, egg, fish (e.g., bass, flounder, or cod), Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, or shrimp), tree nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, or walnuts), wheat, peanuts, and soybeans.) Note that coconuts are not included! Unfortunately, the 2006 FDA guidance document on FALCPA includes a list of ingredients it identifies as “tree nuts” that includes coconut (Cocos nucifera).
The fact is coconut is not a major food allergen nor is it a nut. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states:
“Coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut.”
Consumers with a tree nut allergy, but not a coconut allergy, are being deprived of this fruit. Industry is being greatly impacted as manufacturers wanting to use coconut have to unnecessarily classify their facility as a tree nut facility, when in fact they're not.
The Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA) is spearheading the effort to request that FDA revise the FALCPA Guidance Document to remove coconut from the list of "tree nuts" identified as a major food allergen.
Help us! Join CCA. It's critical we have one united industry voice on this and many other important coconut initiatives. Also consider contributing to the CCA Allergen Project.
Sincerely,
Len
Len Monheit
Executive Director
Coconut Coalition of the Americas