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are coconuts dangerous for people with nut allergies?
After researching the available information, it is our contention that Coconuts should not be classified as nuts, particularly with regard to food allergies. As this is a serious and potentially life threatening matter, we highly recommend you perform your own research. To help you with this, we've summarised some of our research here and provided links to the relevant information.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
There are at least 3 different ways classifying members of the plant kingdom. Firstly there is the botanical system for the scientists, then there are the not so rigid classifications for cuisine and finally (but definitely the most important here) there is their classification as to the potential for allergic reactions. So, a pineapple is not an apple; a cauliflower is not a flower; a tomato is a fruit botanically but considered by some to be a vegetable for culinary purposes. Confused yet? So how is a coconut not a nut, particularly when we're talking about allergies.
ASK THE EXPERTS
According to Nutrition Australia, who have published a comprehensive FAQ on nuts, "The Macquarie Dictionary defines ‘nut’ as “a dry fruit consisting of an edible kernel or meat enclosed in a woody or leathery shell”. The Macquarie also states that botanically, a nut is a “hard … one-seeded fruit, as in chestnut ...” The peanut, on the other hand, belongs to the same botanical family as peas and beans, making it technically a ‘legume’ rather than a nut. However, the nutritional composition of the peanut is much closer to that of true nuts than to peas or beans, so much of the following discussion applies equally to peanuts as to almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts. Also, while the coconut is commonly referred to as a ‘nut’, the International Nut Council does not recognise it as such"
The allergy.org.au website is published by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), which is the peak professional society of allergy specialists and clinical immunologists in Australia and New Zealand. Their web page on coconut allergy states that "Coconut allergy is relatively rare. Coconut is a very different plant from peanut or tree nuts. The presence of the letters "nut" does not mean that coco-"nut" will trigger an allergic reaction in people allergic to peanut or tree nuts. The relative frequency of allergy to peanut and tree nuts (relatively common) compared to those allergic to coconut (very rare) would suggest that the risk of coconut allergy in an individual known to be allergic to peanut or tree nuts is very low, so much so that allergy testing to coconut is not considered as "routine"."
Allergy New Zealand have published a web page on peanut and tree nut allergy, which includes "Contrary to their name, coconuts are not tree nuts but are monocotyledonous plants of the palm family Arecaceae. Nut bearing trees, on the other hand, are dicots and are only distantly related to the palm species. Coconut rarely causes allergy. Most allergists will not suggest coconut avoidance unless there has been an allergic reaction to coconut."
THE BOTTOM LINE
Allergies are serious and can be life threatening. We take them very seriously, which is why our products are gluten free, wheat free, cane sugar free, GM free and of course nut free. If you are reading this, we know you take allergies seriously too, and suggest you conduct your own research. If you are in any doubt, please consult a qualified allergy specialist.
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