Allergen of coconut and sulfur dioxide
Do coconut and sulfur dioxide are allergenic, auditor came and told me that but i have a doubt about this? I searched at allergenonline but I didn't find them
Thx in adv,
Bew
Bew,
Apperently Coconut is grouped in with Tree Nuts in some places like the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration). If it is indeed a tree nut then it should be handled as an allergen.
http://www.foodaller...ree-nut-allergy
From an allergy website:
http://www.acaai.org...ut-allergy.aspx
Should someone with a tree nut allergy avoid coconut and nutmeg?
Coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut. If you are allergic to tree nuts, talk to your allergist before adding coconut to your diet.
This may be directed by your local government in Thailand. It may also be regulated by where you send products to.
Meanwhile in Canada:
Coconut and nutmeg are not included in the list of tree nuts; however, they can cause allergic reactions, just like any other food. If you have a tree nut allergy, ask your allergist if coconut and nutmeg are safe for you.
http://www.anaphylax.../allergens.html
So I guess it really depends on where you are and what regulations your required to follow...
On the subject of Sulfur Dioxide:
http://www.food.gov....rgyintol/label/ (see the PDF "Advice on Food Allergen Labeling")
Sulfur Dioxide is listed as an allergen in Canada and I know I've seen recalls in the USA for sulfides (I don't know if they are exactly the same).
So it is definitely considered an allergen in some places. This will go back to where you are and what regulations your required to label and handle as an allergen.
Coconut is not an allergen ( yes it is listed under FDA ) but Sulphur - Dioxide is an allergen and need to be treated as an allergen for trace of above 10 mg/Kg . Usually coconut products such as desiccated coconut , coconut cream flakes contains SO2 as a preservative so need to be considered as an allergen in whole.
Also depends what is your customer base and Under what kind of labeling you work as you may not need to classify it
Really thanks for all answers, it helps me a lot
Dear All,
A few more to cogitate over, but perhaps not the end of the series. :smile:
It's maybe worth remembering that the legislatory country lists are prioritized (presumably on a frequency / severity basis, somehow ).
Coconut
http://www.allergy.o...coconut-allergy
http://www.fda.gov/f...s/ucm059116.htm
So Yes to allergen although rare. No to "nut".
Sulphite
http://www.hc-sc.gc....s/index-eng.php
So Yes/No but if legislatory invariably Yes AFAIK (?)
Just for information, here is a small sample of the global labelling situation. -
http://www.ifst.org/...gen_management/
Above is hopefully up-to-date but I think the comment that no country limits exist other than for sulphite is incorrect, eg see -
https://www.moniqa.eu/node/1189
Looks like the EU are well in the cumulated lead.
Curious that Americans are apparently unconcerned regarding sesame and sulphites.
Rgds / Charles.C
Dear all,
having this question it is important to mention for which region in the world a product is foreseen.
In the EC coconut is not listed in the annex of the regulation as allergen. Even it might cause allergic reaction from the legal point of view it is not an allergen and not has to be declared on the pack.
In contrast to that sulphite (sulphur dioxide in water) has to be declared acc to the annex if the level of 10 ppm is exceeded. This is not an allergy but an intolerance like that towards lactose, gluten (the annex is directed to allergen and intolerances). The list is limited but protection more than 90% of the population if declaration is correct.
Rgds
moskito
Dear all,
In contrast to that sulphite (sulphur dioxide in water) has to be declared acc to the annex if the level of 10 ppm is exceeded. This is not an allergy but an intolerance like that towards lactose, gluten (the annex is directed to allergen and intolerances).
Rgds
moskito
Dear moskito,
you may be oversimplifying -
http://www.sgs.com/e...Undeclared.aspx
Rgds / Charles.C
Dear Charles C.,
this is correct concerning the classification as...which is under discussion.
My main focus of the response was the legal point regarding declaration in the EC.
Rgds
Moskito
My products are exported to sell in US
If your products are being exported, and sold, exclusively into the United States then you need to follow the regulations that the United States sets as to what they say an allergen is.
Just some more info regarding sulfites in the US, just remember level must be below 10 ppm
http://farrp.unl.edu/sulfites-usa
Coconut is a US allergen, see #25
and post #7 ?
Rgds / Charles.C
and post #7 ?
Rgds / Charles.C
Slap on forehead, shouldn't skip my cup of coffee or better to head back to bed?
Dear SPL,
No problem, well worth it for the kudos to the FARRP website. I'm not totally convinced by some of the VITAL results that have emerged from FARRP's work but the output is amazing.
Rgds / Charles.C