Section 201(qq) of the Act defines the term "major food allergen" to include "tree nuts." In addition to the three examples provided in section 201(qq) (almonds, pecans, and walnuts), what nuts are considered "tree nuts?"
The following are considered "tree nuts" for purposes of section 201(qq). The name listed as "common or usual name" should be used to declare the specific type of nut as required by section 403(w)(2).
Common or usual name | Scientific name |
|---|---|
Almond | Prunus dulcis |
Beech nut | Fagus spp. |
Brazil nut | Bertholletia excelsa |
Butternut | Juglans cinerea |
Cashew | Anacardium occidentale |
Chestnut (Chinese, American, | Castanea spp. |
Chinquapin | Castanea pumila |
Coconut | Cocos nucifera L. |
Filbert/hazelnut | Corylus spp. |
Ginko nut | Ginkgo biloba L. |
Hickory nut | Carya spp. |
Lichee nut | Litchi chinensis Sonn. |
Macadamia nut/Bush nut | Macadamia spp. |
Pecan | Carya illinoensis |
Pine nut/Pinon nut | Pinus spp. |
Pili nut | Canarium ovatum Engl. in A. DC. |
Pistachio | Pistacia vera L. |
Sheanut | Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. |
Walnut ( English, Persian, Black, Japanese, | Juglans spp. |
The foregoing list reflects FDA's current best judgment as to those nuts that are "tree nuts" within the meaning of section 201(qq). In order to be comprehensive, this list employs broad scientific categories that may include a species that currently has no food use. The fact that a species falls within a scientific category on this list does not mean that the species is appropriate for food use. FDA further advises that, as with any guidance, the list may be revised consistent with the process for revising guidance documents in our regulation on good guidance practices in 21 CFR 10.115.