Report

After years of advocacy by various participants in the coconut industry, the US has recently removed coconut from its list of food allergens. This decision has delighted coconut farmers, primarily from southern India. Until now, the US government classified coconut as a tree nut under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. The term ‘nut’ in coconut was the reason it appeared on the allergy list. This classification created obstacles for coconut exporters, even though demand for coconut and coconut-derived products remained strong.

A Collaborative Effort to Change the Allergen Classification

Thanks to extensive efforts by several groups, including the Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA), which represents Indian exporters, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now eliminated coconut from its food allergen list. Deepthi Nair S, the marketing director of the Coconut Development Board (CDB), told DH, “The US agency’s decision greatly alleviates concerns for exporters and has the potential to increase coconut exports from India.”

She explained that coconut food product exporters in India faced numerous challenges due to the classification of coconut as a tree nut. They had to comply with strict allergen labelling regulations, which increased production costs. Additionally, the presence of coconut on the food allergen list confused US consumers, with many cafeterias in universities and hospitals avoiding coconut products. The FDA’s decision, therefore, provides significant relief and encouragement for the coconut export industry.

Impact on Coconut Exports and India’s Position

According to the CDB, India exported coconut food products worth Rs. 924 crore during 2023-24, with the US receiving Rs. 268 crore. The US ranks second in importing coconut food products from India, after Gulf nations. Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are the leading coconut-producing states in India, with Kerala topping the list for coconut food product exports. In 2023-24, Kerala exported coconut food products worth Rs. 459 crore.

Years of Advocacy Pay Off for Coconut Exporters

Shrinivasan Ramaswamy, a prominent coconut exporter from India and a technical representative of the Coconut Coalition of the Americas, stated that it took years of effort by multiple industry stakeholders to convince the US agency that coconut is a fruit, not a tree nut. Industry representatives regularly submitted studies and test reports to the US agency on this matter.

Positive Outlook for the Future of Coconut Exports

Now, exporters no longer face the tedious procedures previously associated with exporting coconut food products. Ramaswamy, managing director of Apex Coco and Solar Energy Limited based in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, believes the FDA’s decision will positively impact coconut exports.

Source: Deccan Herald