The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) released a document eliminating the need for special allergen labeling on coconut-containing packaged foods and supplements under the US Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA).
The decision to remove coconut from the list of tree nuts classified as major food allergens is considered a significant victory for the global coconut industry, especially for Philippine exporters.
Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) director Bianca Pearl Sykimte said the move is expected to stimulate demand for coconut-based products in the US market.
“There are over 20,000 product variants in the US, including food, beverages, and personal care items, that use coconut as an ingredient. The delisting of coconut as a major food allergen can boost demand and encourage producers and consumers to further support coconut-based products, benefiting our coconut farmers and exporters,” she said.
Philippine coconut stakeholders, including the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) said the recent victory was a result of a joint private-government effort.
“The issue of food allergens has been ongoing for decades. We’d like to acknowledge the hard work of the Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA) and our representatives in Washington,” said United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) executive director Yvonne Agustin.
The delisting is anticipated to expand the market for a wide array of coconut-based products, including virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, coconut water and coconut sugar.
“This provides much-needed clarity for consumers, manufacturers, and the broader industry, ensuring that coconut products are no longer subject to unnecessary allergen labeling or misconceptions. This is a science-based policy victory that enhances the accessibility and safety of coconut as a nutritious ingredient,” said Peter Paul Philippine Corp. vice president for sales, marketing and export Rhoey Lee Dakis.
The move follows years of lobbying by Philippine coconut farmers and exporters, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
The Philippines remains a leading exporter of coconut products, with exports to the US alone reaching $524.92 million from January to October 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
