Therefore all products with coconut must make it recognizable or specifically note that tree nuts are found in the product. The coconut is a fruit and not a nut, but if the question refers to allergies then a health care professional should be consulted if there is a fear that a nut reaction may occur. It is difficult to assess the risk of coconut allergy among those with tree nut allergies because allergic individuals may become wary of coconut and avoid it. in A. DC. Coconuts were not included in the law, but in 2006 the FDA issued a guidance document on FALCPA with a list of what the agency considered to be “tree nuts” that included coconut (Cocos nucifera). The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family and the only living species of the genus Cocos. Coconut has not in the past been considered a tree nut, but in 2006, the FDA began to define coconut as a tree nut. The FDA lists coconut as a tree nut. For a complete list of every food the FDA considers a tree nut (including coconut), check out #25 on this list. Botanically speaking, the coconut is a drupe (fruit), not a nut.Coconut can be a confusing food because it contains the word “nut” in its name. that the debate will continue. Take a look at this site. Technically, coconut is not a botanical nut, but is a one seeded drupe, or a one seeded fruit. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut. My own son was diagnosed with a Peanut and Tree Nut allergy at the age of 2. However many individuals are not allergic to coconut and many allergists do not consider coconut a true tree nut. But a campaign is now underway to get coconuts … For a complete list of every food the FDA considers a tree nut (including coconut… People who have tree nut allergies may be allergic to coconut as well, but being allergic to coconut is not the same as having a tree nut allergy. So why are coconuts on the FDA’s tree-nut allergen list? It is the seed of a drupaceous fruit. …Unless you’re a botanist. If you are unsure if coconut is safe for you, ask your allergist. When the FDA passed the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) several years ago, they included coconut on their list of tree nuts. The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family and the only living species of the genus Cocos. Gaertn. Despite FDA classification of coconut as a tree nut, the two major U.S. allergen advocacy groups, FAAN and FARE, do not recognize coconut as a nut. These nut-free snacks for kids are allergy-safe without scrimping on taste. This means that all food items with coconut must be listed as containing coconut/tree nut on the ingredient label. Its website says; “But the coconut is a member of the palm family and only distantly related to tree nuts. Tree nut allergies are on the rise and can affect those with eczema but being allergic to coconut oil does not mean you are allergic to all tree nuts. A study was done in assessing patients with coconut allergy and to see if they have co-sensitization to tree nuts. But the FDA confused everyone a couple of years back by adding coconut to the list of tree nut allergens…if you’re tree nut allergic, ask your doctor if coconut flour is ok for you. There has been little guidance in patients with tree nut allergies on the safety of consuming coconut. In 2006, the FDA classified coconut as a nut. But since it can be argued that it is a nut of sorts, it can be added with the other tree nuts. Coconut has been classified by FDA that it a tree nut. For that reason, most botanists classify coconuts as a fruit, not a true nut like almonds and walnuts. But since it can be argued that it is a nut of sorts, it can be added with the other tree nuts. Also, most people with tree nut allergies can safely consume coconut. Still, coconut allergy appears uncommon, even among those with tree nut allergies. "for what reasons might the coconut contain nut allergies when it's not a nut?" Are coconuts considered tree nuts? … Tree nuts are considered to be one of the major allergens in the United States. Coconut was labeled a tree nut by the FDA in October of 2006. (Sapotaceae), Walnut ( English, Persian, Black, Japanese, California), Heartnut, Butternut. Read about it that coconut is actually a fruit. According to the FDA, coconut is a tree nut. While it is possible to be allergic to coconut, the cross reactivity for those with tree nut allergies is very rare. A drupe is a fruit with a hard stony covering enclosing the seed (like a peach or olive). Is coconut a nut? However, in October 2006, the FDA began identifying coconut as a tree nut. Coconuts grow on trees and are called a nut, but they are not tree nuts nor are they much of an allergen. (Burseraceae), Pistacia vera L. (Anacardiaceae), Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. The name listed as "common or usual name" should be used to declare the specific type of nut as required by section 403(w)(2). The FDA has just added Shea Nut and Coconut to the list of Tree Nuts in their definition for the purposed of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection. If coconut is a tree nut, does that mean that it’s no longer safe for people with nut allergies? The following are considered "tree nuts" for purposes of section 201(qq). Tree nuts, including coconuts, are classified as “major allergens” under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA). The Coconut Coalition sees the FDA’s 2006 decision as a mistake. FDA classified coconut in the Big 8 Allergen groupings as a tree nut. Coconut is still technically considered a fruit, but the FDA grayed those lines. However, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network , “the available medical literature contains documentation of a small number of allergic reactions to coconut; most occurred in people who were not allergic to other tree nuts. As I mentioned to the angry reader, the ACAAI (American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) says: 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. Misbranding allergens has become the most common reason for food recalls in recent years. It’s technically a drupe, which interestingly can be classified as either a fruit, nut… FDA is wrong – for two reasons: Coconut is not a tree nut (even though it grows on a tree and is referred to as a nut) and …. The following are considered "tree nuts" for purposes of section 201(qq). Does the FDA consider coconut a tree nut? It’s not a mistake. It also doesn’t mean you cannot tolerate other tree nuts. Act. Coconut, despite the letters "nut" in the name it is not a true nut and has no relation to peanuts or tree nuts. Still, coconut allergy appears rare, and uncommon even among those with tree nut allergies. The name listed as "common or usual name" should be used to declare the specific type of nut … Is it change in the classification? And, by all rights, a food that grows on trees and contains the word “nut” as its third syllable feels appropriately named. Coconut has been classified by FDA that it a tree nut. Tree nuts, including coconuts, are classified as “major allergens” under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA). Out of more than 160 foods that can cause allergic reactions in some people, the “major food allergens” are responsible for 90 percent of those reactions. Not Necessarily Linked to Tree Nut. But a campaign is now underway to get coconuts off the list. Coconut Is Not A Nut, But It Is On The Tree-Nut Allergen List Coconut, an uncommon food allergen, is actually the fruit (seed) of coconut palm trees. CCA, which is based in Spring, Texas, will spearhead the effort to request that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revise the Food Allergen Labeling Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) Guidance Document to remove coconut from the list of tree nuts identified … But the FDA confused everyone a couple of years back by adding coconut to the list of tree nut allergens…if you’re tree nut allergic, ask your doctor if coconut flour is ok for you. Coconut group urges FDA to remove coconut as a 'tree nut' The Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA) has announced it will spearhead the effort to request that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revise the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) guidance document to remove coconut from the list of “tree nuts” identified as a major food allergen. Allergic reactions to nuts are caused by the proteins found in specific tree nuts. The international Anaphylaxis Campaign is not too concerned about coconuts. A coconut is a seed of a fruit and nutmeg is obtained from the seeds of a tropical tree. A coconut is a seed of a fruit and nutmeg is obtained from the seeds of a tropical tree. It says coconut reactions may occur, but many people allergic to tree nuts have found they can safely eat coconuts. Coconut is included in the list of tree nuts by the FDA and must be clearly identified on food labels. The foregoing list reflects FDA's current best judgment as to those nuts that are "tree nuts" within the meaning of section 201(qq). In addition to the three examples provided in section 201(qq) (almonds, pecans, and walnuts), what nuts are considered "tree nuts? From a botanic standpoint, the coconut is a fibrous one seeded drupe. Allergic reactions to nuts are caused by the proteins found in specific tree nuts. I am confuse.. While the US Food & drug Administration (FDA) claims that coconut is a tree nut becomes it comes from a tree, it is in fact a FRUIT. If coconut a tree nut, does that mean that it`s no longer safe for people with nut allergies? The misclassification of coconut as a tree nut causes consumer confusion and, in fact, misleads consumers with tree nut allergies who, in most cases, could safely consume products with coconuts. In fact, coconut is a seed of a drupaceous fruit. Coconut is not a major food allergen. Ask doctors free. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies coconuts as tree nuts. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.). However, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, “the available medical literature contains documentation of a small number of allergic reactions to coconut; most occurred in people who were not allergic to other tree nuts. Is Coconut A Tree Nut Fda June 16, 2020. Coconut and nutmeg are not considered tree nuts for the purposes of food allergen labelling in Canada and are not usually restricted from the diet of someone allergic to tree nuts. A tree nut allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from tree nuts and edible tree seeds causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms. (To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, 30.7 tons of ready-to-eat eat and poultry escapes inspection, French Salmonella outbreak hospitalizes seven, sickens dozens, FDA posts recall for spinach already under recall in Canada for Salmonella, Kawartha Dairy brand ice cream products recalled because of pieces of metal, Letter to the Editor: A different view on new Salmonella rules, Food safety tips for pet owners to follow during holiday celebrations, Food and drug officials weigh in on federal Salmonella rules for poultry, Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp), Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans). According to the FDA, coconut is a tree nut. Dr. Linda Green answered. Anyone in the house? It seems like coconuts may be such a special and unique food (and tasty!) ". Then a coconut is actually a drupe – a fruit with a hard surrounding layer. Despite this, coconut remains on the list, so food facilities labeling products containing coconut must … However, botanically speaking, coconut is not a tree nut. While the FDA classifies coconut as a major tree nut allergen, a coconut allergy is very rare. Coconut is not a major food allergen. The eight “major foods” identified by FALCPA: Food labels must disclose ingredients or proteins from any of the major food allergens list under the FALCPA law. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, while there are some documented cases of coconut allergy, most people who are allergic to tree nuts … Top answers from doctors based on your search: Disclaimer. The .gov means it’s official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Are coconuts safe to eat with a tree nut allergy? This means that ingredients considered to be tree nuts, or derivatives of such, must be called out on food product labels for consumer transparency. 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