FALCPA, the Food Allergen Labeling Consumer Protection Act, was enacted to ensure that the labels of food products effectively inform consumers regarding their content of the eight major food allergens. Coconuts were not included in the original law, but in 2006 FDA issued a guidance document that included coconut. However, the press release notes, coconuts are neither a major food allergen nor a nut; while people can be allergic to coconut, those who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut, and it’s actually classified as a fruit.
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CCA executive director Len Monheit said in the release: “The FDA misclassified coconut, which is causing confusion for a lot of people because it shouldn’t be classified with tree nuts. Consumers with a tree nut allergy, but not a coconut allergy, are being deprived of this fruit. And industry is being greatly impacted, as contract manufacturers wanting to use coconut have to unnecessarily classify their facility as a tree nut facility when they’re not.”As a 501(c)6 non-profit trade organization, CCA needs outside support for this initiative, which will launch once an initial sum of $25,000 has been raised. Contributions can be made atCoconutCoalition.org.
