Tree Nut Updates

One of the biggest changes involves tree nuts. The FDA has reduced the official list of tree nuts that require allergen labeling from 23 to just 12. The familiar nuts you expect to see—like almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, and pecans—are still on the list.

However, coconut, chestnut, kola nut, shea nut, and a few others are no longer considered “tree nuts” under federal labeling rules. This means that coconut will no longer need to appear in the “Contains: tree nuts” statement on packaged foods, though it will still appear in the ingredients list if used. For many people with tree nut allergies, this makes labels less confusing, though anyone allergic to coconut should continue to read ingredient lists carefully.

Milk & Eggs: Getting Specific

Another big shift is in how milk and egg allergens are labeled. Previously, “milk” meant cow’s milk, and “egg” meant chicken eggs. But now, the FDA requires more specific labeling:

• Milk from other animals, like goats or sheep, must be identified on the label.
• Eggs from other birds, such as ducks or quail, must also be labeled.

So instead of a general “Contains: milk” or “Contains: egg,” you might see “Contains: goat milk” or “Contains: duck egg.” This helps people who react to certain species know exactly what they’re consuming.

Looking Beyond the Top Nine Allergens

The FDA also addressed how it evaluates other potential allergens beyond the nine major ones:

1. Milk
2. Eggs
3. Fish
4. Shellfish
5. Tree nuts
6. Peanuts
7. Wheat
8. Soy
9. Sesame

Under the new guidance, the FDA will consider how common an allergy is, how severe reactions can be, and how much of the food triggers symptoms when deciding whether a new allergen should require labeling. This creates a framework for the future if other foods—like mustard or certain seeds—become recognized as significant allergen risks in the U.S.

What This Means for You

For food companies, the FDA recommends updating packaging at the next label printing or using stickers temporarily to meet the new guidance. For consumers, these changes mean:

• Clearer labels that make it easier to identify allergens.
• Less confusion for tree nut and coconut labeling.
• Better protection for people with less common milk or egg allergies.

Ultimately, the goal is simple: to make food labels more helpful and keep people with allergies safer. If you have food allergies, now is a great time to re-check your favorite products and learn what’s changed in 2025.