The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially excluded coconuts from its classification of tree nuts, a decision expected to open up new commercial opportunities for Philippine coconut products. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) welcomed the move, which is seen as resolving long-standing trade challenges and improving market access for coconut-based products in the U.S.
On 6 January, the FDA issued updated allergen labeling guidance, confirming that coconut, along with other ingredients like cola nut and shea nut, are no longer classified as tree nuts for food labeling purposes. The change stems from scientific research showing that coconuts rarely trigger severe allergic reactions, unlike true tree nuts, which are known allergens.
This decision addresses a key concern under the U.S. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, where coconut’s inclusion as a tree nut had created confusion and hindered consumer confidence in coconut products. By clarifying coconut’s allergen status, manufacturers can now market coconut-based items without the fear of misclassification, potentially boosting demand and driving innovation in the sector.
The Philippines, the world’s second-largest coconut producer, is expected to benefit significantly from this change. The country produced nearly 14.9 million metric tons of coconuts in 2023, and local stakeholders, including Marco Reyes of the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (UCAP), have hailed the development. The new FDA guideline opens the door for increased coconut exports, particularly to consumers with tree nut allergies.
With global coconut demand growing, this regulatory shift strengthens the country’s position in the international market, where it is already a leading exporter behind Indonesia. The PCA also noted that efforts to expand coconut production—aiming to plant an additional 100 million trees by 2028—will further enhance the country’s export potential.
