Question of the Week - Coconut a Tree Nut Allergen?

Is coconut a tree allergen?    FDA classified coconut in the Big 8 Allergen groupings as a tree nut.  Technically, coconut is not a botanical nut, but is a one seeded drupe, or a one seeded fruit.  But since it can be argued that it is a nut of sorts, it can be added with the other tree nuts.  No harm, no foul.

Coconut allergies are pretty rare, but for the few of those who are allergic, it can be serious, including anaphylaxis.  There is much less likelihood of cross reactivity from the other tree nuts to coconut in terms of allergies, although there have been a few cases.

https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/tree-nut-allergy
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/knowledgebase/coconut/

Energy Bars Recalled After Complaints of Nut Allergic Reactions

Clif Bar is recalling certain varieties of its energy bar products after receiving 'a small number' of consumer complaints of peanut or tree nut allergic reactions, although these were not confirmed.

This is the type of issue where good allergen verification records are needed.  Are there other products run in the facility with peanuts and tree nuts, and if so, were good sanitation and other allergen procedures followed.   What about supplier control?  Do any of the suppliers handle peanut and tree nuts that could have accidentally made their way into a non-nut ingredient.

FDA Recall Notice

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm565833.htm
Voluntary Recall of CLIF BUILDER'S Bar Chocolate Mint Flavor, CLIF Kid Zbar Protein Chocolate Mint and CLIF Kid Zbar Protein Chocolate Chip Flavors
For Immediate Release
July 5, 2017