The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently made the decision to remove coconuts from the list of U.S. food allergens, a move that is expected to have a significant impact on the coconut industry and major fruit producers such as Indonesia and the Philippines. This decision is likely to increase the demand for coconut-based products, which could benefit various sectors of the industry.
Packaged food and supplements that contain coconuts are no longer required to carry mandatory allergen labeling under the United States Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), as announced by the Department of Trade and Industry. This change is a result of efforts by trade groups, including the Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA), which petitioned for the removal of coconuts from the allergen list in 2019 through the CCA Coconut Allergen Project. The CCA argued that categorizing coconuts as an allergenic tree nut was incorrect, as coconuts are not tree nuts and are not a major food allergen.
The removal of coconuts from the allergen list is expected to lead to an increase in demand for coconut-based products such as sugar, water, and desiccated coconut. The CCA welcomed the news, stating that it is a positive development for the coconut industry and will help to eliminate trade challenges. They also emphasized that this decision provides consumers with clear and accurate information about coconut products.
The CCA has been actively engaged in discussions with the FDA over the past few years, advocating for the removal of coconuts from the allergen list. The organization’s efforts have now paid off, with the FDA officially delisting coconuts as a U.S. food allergen. This change is expected to have far-reaching implications for the coconut industry and could open up new opportunities for growth and innovation.
In light of this development, industry stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about changes in allergen regulations and labeling requirements. It is important for companies that produce and sell coconut-based products to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and to communicate clearly with consumers about the allergen status of their products.
Overall, the removal of coconuts from the list of U.S. food allergens is a positive development for the coconut industry and is likely to have a significant impact on the market. By staying informed and adapting to these changes, industry players can capitalize on new opportunities and continue to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments in the coconut industry and receive valuable insights and updates.
