The country’s coconut industry got a big boost after the coconut was removed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) from the list of major food allergens, a trade official said on Monday.

“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/containing products. This, in turn, will benefit our coconut farmers and exporters,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Export Marketing Bureau Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte said in a statement.

The DTI said the delisting would waive the requirement for coconut products, particularly coconut-containing packaged foods and supplements, to secure special allergen labeling under the US Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA).

This may cover an increased demand for coconut-based products such as refined and virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, coconut water, and coconut sugar, among others, it said.

Sykimte lauded the combined and continuous efforts of the DTI and the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the private stakeholders in addressing the industry’s challenges.

“This progress underscores our commitment to support the development and growth of our coconut sector by addressing key market access and regulatory issues,” she said.

Citing Mintel’s global new product database from 2018 to 2023, the DTI official said over 20,000 coconut product variants are being used in the US as ingredients for food, drinks, and personal care products.

Meanwhile, coconut stakeholders welcomed the development and underscored the need for science-based information in global policymaking.

“It is a welcome development and great news for the coconut industry, not only in the Philippines but globally. 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,” United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) Executive Director Yvonne Agustin said.

Peter Paul Philippine Corporation Sales, Marketing and Export Vice President Dr. Rhoey Lee Dakis said the USFDA decision provides much-needed clarity for consumers, manufacturers, and the broader industry.

“It ensures that coconut products are no longer subject to unnecessary allergen labeling or misconceptions… We believe this progress will further strengthen the global coconut industry by removing barriers and offering consumers accurate, reliable information,” Dakis said.

To date, coconut products remain the country’s top export, amounting to USD524.92 million from January to October 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. (PNA)