Coconut is officially out of the tree nut category.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially excluded coconut from its classification of tree nuts under allergen labeling requirements. This announcement, part of the agency’s release of two final food allergen-related guidance documents on January 6, 2025, marks a turning point for the coconut industry, bringing clarity to a long-debated topic, and opening new doors for coconut stakeholders globally.

Its guidance, titled “Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5),” is a culmination of years of stakeholder collaboration and scientific scrutiny. Specifically addressing coconut in questions C7, C8, and Table 1, the document clarifies that coconut, along with other ingredients like cola nut and shea nut, is no longer considered a tree nut for allergen labeling purposes.

The guidance, part of the FDA's evolving approach to evidence-based allergen classifications, clarifies that only a finite list of scientifically recognized tree nuts with a robust, scientifically validated allergenic profile are included in this classification. This decision directly impacts allergen labeling under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), which previously had a broad and sometimes contested interpretation of “tree nut.”

The decision to exclude coconut was informed by scientific research into its allergenicity, prevalence, and severity. Unlike tree nuts, which are a significant allergenic group, coconuts rarely trigger severe allergic reactions. The guidance also highlights that allergen labeling is meant to provide clear, accurate information to consumers while avoiding unwarranted alarm or restrictions.

Coconut’s exclusion as a tree nut alleviates significant trade challenges for coconut-based products in the U.S. market. For consumers, this means fewer misleading allergen labels on coconut products. While individuals allergic to tree nuts often assume they must avoid coconuts, the FDA’s clarification sets the record straight.

For the industry, this marks the lifting of a "labeling stigma" that has long hindered the market potential of coconut-based products. Brands and manufacturers can now market coconut items without the burden of misclassification that has long stifled consumer confidence and international trade, potentially leading to increased demand and innovation in coconut-derived goods.

From a broader perspective, the guidance also addresses a wide range of allergen-related topics, including labeling for genetically engineered foods, bulk food containers, and dietary supplements. Alongside coconut, several other nuts, including palm nut, pili nut, and shea nut, were removed from the tree nut list. This refined approach underscores the FDA’s reliance on robust scientific evidence, such as allergen prevalence, severity, and cross-reactivity, to determine allergen labeling requirements.

Moreover, the FDA reaffirmed that labeling rules apply strictly to ingredients containing residual proteins from major allergens, reinforcing the importance of accurate assessments in manufacturing processes.

For decades, the coconut industry has championed the unique attributes of this versatile crop. With its official exclusion from the tree nut allergen list, coconut stakeholders worldwide can now explore new opportunities without the shadow of misclassification. From food processors to exporters, the possibilities are immense, particularly in markets previously hindered by allergen-related restrictions.

With allergen-related trade barriers lifted, the road ahead is lined with potential for expanded markets and creative product innovations; it signals a new era where coconut’s true nature can shine as a vital contributor to the global food and agricultural landscape.

The Philippine Coconut Authority celebrates this groundbreaking development and expresses boundless appreciation to to all stakeholders, partners, organizations, and advocates who have championed the true identity of the coconut. This long-awaited decision by the U.S. FDA is a victory for our industry and an affirmation of the scientific integrity, unwavering advocacy, and collaborative spirit that have propelled us to this moment. The PCA acknowledges the invaluable contributions of scientific researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers who made this possible. Together, we have dismantled barriers, corrected misconceptions, and paved the way for limitless opportunities in the global market.

The PCA is committed to harnessing this momentum, ensuring that every Filipino coconut farmer, processor, and entrepreneur benefits from this milestone. We will continue our mission to march the Philippine coconut industry to unparalleled peaks, unlocking new possibilities for growth, innovation, and prosperity.

As the dust settles on this landmark announcement, one thing is clear: the coconut, long misunderstood, is finally getting the recognition it deserves. And with this victory, the industry is all set to soar to new heights.

References

Coconut Coalition of the Americas. (2025, January). Coconut not listed as a tree nut in latest FDA guidance. Retrieved from https://coconutcoalition.org/coconut-not-listed-as-a-tree-nut-in-latest-fda-guidance/

Covington & Burling LLP. (2025, January 7). FDA finalizes two guidance documents related to food allergens. Retrieved from https://www.cov.com/en/news-and-insights/insights/2025/01/fda-finalizes-two-guidance-documents-related-to-food-allergens

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, January 6). Questions and answers regarding food allergens, including the food allergen labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5): Guidance for industry. Retrieved from Ahttps://www.fda.gov/media/117410/download