Tree Nuts & Seeds

These nuts must be clearly labeled on packaged food products if they are present as ingredients.

Changes to Note:

• Coconut is botanically classified as a drupe (fruit) rather than a true nut, and the FDA no longer includes it in the tree nut allergen category for labeling purposes. This change was part of the FDA’s updated guidance issued on January 6, 2025, which reduced the list of tree nuts requiring allergen labeling from 23 to 12.
• Chestnut is no longer classified as a major food allergen, but it must still be declared by its common or usual name in the ingredient list on food labels. However, it should not be included in the “Contains” statement reserved for major food allergens.
• Shea nuts are sometimes questioned as an allergen, but the FDA does not classify shea nuts as a major allergen.