Tree Nut Allergy

In addition to peanuts, a tree nut allergy, is one of the most common food allergens
found in both children and adults. Allergies to tree nuts tend to appear early in life and
are generally not outgrown.

Exposure can occur through direct contact, cross contact, and even inhalation. The
severity depends on how much is ingested and how sensitive the allergy is in that
particular individual.

The following is a list of tree nuts as defined by the FDA:
Almond
Beech Nut
Brazil Nut
Butternut (not to be confused with butternut squash)
Cashew
Chestnut
Chinquapin
Coconut *
Hazelnuts
Ginko Nut
Hickory Nut
Lichee/Litchi/Lychee Nut
Macadamia Nut
Pecan
Pine Nut
Pili Nut
Pistachio
Sheanut
Walnut

*Coconut

*The FDA lists coconut as a tree nut. In fact, coconut is a seed of a drupaceous fruit.
Most people allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut. Coconut allergy is reasonably
rare. If you are allergic to tree nuts, talk to your allergist before adding coconut to or
eliminating coconut from your diet. (http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/page/tree-nut-
allergy.aspx)

Foods that commonly contain tree nuts:

Artificial Nuts Gianduja and Nutella (chocolate-nut mixture)
Marzipan Nut Distillates/Alcoholic Extracts
Almond Paste Nut Milk (ex. almond milk)
Nangai Nut Nut Paste
Nut Extracts Nut Butters
Nut Meal Nut Meat
Pesto Nut Oil
Praline
Walnut Hull Extract

Extra care must be taken when consuming the following foods. Be sure to
read labels carefully.
Cereals Crackers
Cookies Candies
Chocolate Cold Cuts
Energy Bars Flavored Coffee
Frozen Desserts/Ice Cream Marinades
BBQ Sauces

High Risk Cross Contamination
Ethnic restaurants such as: Chinese, African, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Mediterranean,
etc.
Ice Cream Parlors
Bakeries

The follow are safe to consume with a tree nut allergy:
Nutmeg
Chestnuts
Butternut Squash

Additional Resources:
http://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/tree-nut-allergy
http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/FDABasicsforIndustry/ucm238807.htm
http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/page/tree-nut-allergy.aspx
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/nut_allergy.html