K A S H R U T . C O M_©

January 9, 2025 from Emport LLC:

"The FDA has quietly streamlined the list of tree nuts considered major food allergens. Perhaps the biggest change: coconut is no longer considered a tree nut. This means coconut is no longer subject to mandatory allergen management protocols.

"The list of nuts removed from the list of tree nuts include: beech, butternut, chestnut, chinquapin, coconut, cola/kola, ginkgo, hickory, palm, pili, and shea.

"If your labeling currently has Contains statements including any of these nuts — they should be revised. The Contains statement is reserved only for major food allergens. It is still imperative that you list these nuts in the ingredient list, by their common or usual name.

"The current list of tree nuts which must still be handled as major food allergens — and included in any Contains statement — has been reduced to: Almond, Brazil Nut, Cashew, Filbert/Hazelnut, Macadamia Nut / Bush nut, Pecan, Pine Nut / Pinon Nut. Pistachio, Walnut (Black Walnut, California Walnut, English Walnut, Japanese Walnut/Heartnut, and Persian Walnut)

"Milk remains a major food allergen, but with an expanded definition. Previously only milk from cows required allergen protocols and labeling. Now, milk from domesticated cows, sheep, goats and other ruminants must all be labeled and managed as a major food allergen.

"Additionally, “animal-free” or “precision-fermented” casein and other products must also be labeled as milk.

"Similar to milk, egg remains a major food allergen. However, the definition of egg has expanded to include eggs from not just chickens, but chickens, ducks, geese, quail, and other fowl.

"As above, any protein derived from egg — including a prothttps://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-questions-and-answers-regarding-food-allergen-labeling-edition-5ein produced via fermentation — could trigger an allergic reaction and must be labeled and handled as an allergen.

FDA Guidance Information is here