The CCA Coconut Allergen Project

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

REMOVING COCONUTS FROM FDA’S MAJOR FOOD ALLERGEN LIST

The Coconut Coalition of the Americas is going to spearhead the submission of a citizen petition (CP) requesting that FDA revise the FALCPA Guidance Document to remove coconut from the list of “tree nuts” identified as a major food allergen. You can be part of a growing movement to change this incorrect labeling!

BACKGROUND

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! A 2006 FDA guidance document on FALCPA includes a list of ingredients it identifies as “tree nuts” that includes coconut (Cocos nucifera). 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 …. Coconut is not a major food allergen.
HELP US MAKE THE CHANGE

The Coconut Coalition of the Americas and its members are leading this charge. We need more help and more companies and even individuals involved. We need your support, and yes, we need your contributions. This process will take upwards of $80,000 over the course of the next 6 months. Use the donate button below to contribute or contact us to find out how you can support this initiative.