^

Business

US removes coconut from allergen list

Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star
US removes coconut from allergen list
In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the move would help Philippine coconut exporters to the US as it removes the need for special allergen labeling on coconut-containing packaged foods and supplements.
STAR / File

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines expects a boost in coconut exports following the US Food and Drug Administration’s removal of coconut from the list of tree nuts classified as major food allergens.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the move would help Philippine coconut exporters to the US as it removes the need for special allergen labeling on coconut-containing packaged foods and supplements.

The DTI and the Department of Agriculture have been pushing for the removal of coconut from the list of major allergens, with a policy mission conducted in the US in September 2023 to discuss the issue with government experts and counterparts.

Citing data from global market intelligence agency Mintel from 2018 to 2023, DTI Export Marketing Bureau director Bianca Sykimte said there are more than 20,000 product variants that use coconut as an ingredient in the US.

“The delisting of coconut as a major food allergen can boost demand for these products and encourage more producers and consumers to support coconut-based or containing products. This, in turn, will benefit our coconut farmers and exporters,” she said.

She said the development shows the government’s commitment to support the growth and development of the coconut sector by addressing key market access and regulatory issues.

Coconut products are among the Philippines’ top exports, with shipments to the US alone reaching $524.92 million from January to October last year, according to Philippine Statistics Authority data.

Industry players welcomed the development.

“The issue on food allergens has been running for decades. Finally removing coconut as a tree nut eliminates one issue against it. This is the result of a joint private-government sector effort. Hopefully, the other market issues will also have their successful conclusion,” United Coconut Association of the Philippines executive director Yvonne Agustin said.

Rhoey Lee Dakis, vice president of sales, marketing and export at Peter Paul Philippine Corp., which exports coconut oil to the US, said the decision provides much needed clarity for consumers, manufacturers and the industry.

“This development is a testament to science-based policymaking and reinforces the safety and accessibility of coconut as a versatile and nutritious ingredient. We believe this progress will further strengthen the global coconut industry by removing barriers and offering consumers accurate and reliable information,” he said.

COCONUT

  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with
-->