GOVT, INDUSTRY LEADERS SAY: Coconut allergen delisting a win 

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The removal of coconut in the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (USFDA) list of major food allergens is seen by the Philippines as a significant win for the local coconut industry.

Bianca Sykimte, director at the Export Marketing Bureau, in a message to reporters Sunday said the delisting is expected to enhance market confidence in the use of coconut as an ingredient in food products and supplements, providing a significant boost for Philippine coconut exporters in the US market.

Sykimte was reacting to a document released by the USFDA on Jan. 6, 2025, providing guidance for industry on food allergen labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

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Sykimte said the removal of coconut’s allergen classification is expected to boost demand for a variety of coconut-based items, including refined and virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, coconut water and coconut sugar.

“This development eliminates the need for special allergen labeling on coconut-containing packaged foods and supplements under the US Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004,” Sykimte said. 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) quoted coconut industry leaders as welcoming the USFDA decision.

“It is a welcome development and a great news for the coconut industry, not only of the Philippines, but globally. The issue on food allergens has been running for decades,” said Yvonne Agustin, executive director of the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines.

Rhoey Lee Dakis, vice president of sales, marketing and export of Peter Paul Philippine Corp., one of the top exporters of coconut oil to the US, said “this decision provides much needed clarity for consumers, manufacturers, and the broader industry, ensuring that coconut products are no longer subject to unnecessary allergen labeling or misconceptions.”

“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, reliable information,” Lee said in the DTI statement.

Citing Mintel’s global new product database from 2018 to 2023, Sykimte said more than 20,000 product variants use coconut as an ingredient in the US, including food, drinks and personal care products. 

Sykimte said coconut products continue to rank among the Philippines’ top exports, with shipments to the US alone reaching $524.92 million from January to October 2024, citing Philippine Statistics Authority data.

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