People with tree nut allergies often wonder if they must also avoid coconut and nutmeg. Coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut.
Is coconut allowed in nut free schools?
Coconut, the seed of a drupaceous fruit, has typically not been restricted in the diets of people with nut allergies. There is no evidence that coconut oil or shea nut oil/butter will cause a person with peanut or tree nut allergies to have any type of reaction.Sep 8, 2017
Is coconut OK for nut allergies?
The botanical distance between coconuts and tree nuts would suggest that people with tree nut allergytree nut allergyA tree nut allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from tree nuts and edible tree seeds causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Tree_nut_allergyTree nut allergy - Wikipedia should be able to tolerate coconut and studies have shown that this is generally true. Therefore, there is no general recommendation that patients with tree nut allergy should avoid coconut.
Do coconuts count as nuts?
A nut can be defined as a one- seeded fruit. With that loose definition, a coconut can also be a nut. However, a coconut is not a true nut. A true nut, such as the acorn, are indehiscent or do not open at maturity to release its seeds.
Is coconut a tree allergy?
Coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut.
Does coconut need to be listed as an allergen?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes coconut as a tree nut, and thus an allergen that must be declared. Despite this, coconut remains on the list, so food facilities labeling products containing coconut must list it in the ingredients appropriately.