On January 6, the FDA issued updated guidance outlining changes to its classification of certain allergens:
- Coconut has been removed from the list of tree nuts, along with beech, butternut, chestnut, chinquapin, cola/kola, ginkgo, hickory, palm, pili, and shea.
- The guidance also broadens the definition of eggs to include duck, goose and quail.
- The classification of milk now covers sheep and goat varieties.
App State Campus Dining’s current system identifies coconut as a tree nut. As of this notice, allergen labeling is being updated to align with the new FDA guidelines. With numerous menus across campus, this transition will take time.
Individuals with a coconut allergy should continue to check the full ingredient lists on our online menus. All types of animal milk are currently labeled under the milk allergy category and the recent FDA update regarding goose and quail eggs does not impact our current menus.
Now included in the list of tree nuts are:
- almond
- black walnut
- Brazil nut
- California walnut
- cashew
- filbert/hazelnut
- heartnut/Japanese walnut
- macadamia nut/Bush nut
- pecan
- pine nut/pinion nut
- pistachio
- English + Persian walnut
Questions?
If you have questions about the FDA allergen updates or general allergy concerns, please contact Farrah Reidt at reidtfm@appstate.edu.
updated 2/10/25 12:37 p.m.
Are you allergic to coconut?
Important FDA allergen updates
