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  4. 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?"
  1. FDA Basics for Industry

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 list provides examples of other "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).

This list is subject to change and not intended to be exhaustive. 

Common or usual name

Scientific name

Almond

Prunus dulcis
(Rosaceae)

Beech nut

Fagus spp.
(Fagaceae)

Brazil nut

Bertholletia excelsa
(Lecythidaceae)

Butternut

Juglans cinerea
(Juglandaceae)
California walnut Juglans californica S. Watson
(Juglandaceae)

Cashew

Anacardium occidentale
(Anacardiaceae)

Chestnut (Chinese, American,
European, Seguin)

Castanea spp.
(Fagaceae)

Chinquapin

Castanea pumila
(Fagaceae)

Coconut

Cocos nucifera L.
(Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))
Cola nut/Kola nut Cola acuminata (P. Beauv.) Schott & Endl. Or
Cola nitida (Vent.) A. Chev.
(Malvaceae (also placed in Sterculiaceae))

Filbert/hazelnut

Corylus spp.
(Betulaceae)

Ginko nut

Ginkgo biloba L.
(Ginkgoaceae)
Heartnut/Japanese walnut Juglans ailantifolia Carriere var. cordiformis
(Makino) Rehder (Juglandaceae)

Hickory nut

Carya spp.
(Juglandaceae)

Macadamia nut/Bush nut

Macadamia spp.
(Proteaceae)
Palm nut Elaeis spp.
(Palmae (alternative name Arecaceae))

Pecan

Carya illinoensis
(Juglandaceae)

Pine nut/Pinon nut

Pinus spp.
(Pineaceae)

Pili nut

Canarium ovatum Engl. in A. DC.
(Burseraceae)

Pistachio

Pistacia vera L.
(Anacardiaceae)

Sheanut/Shea nut

Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.
(Sapotaceae)

Walnut ( English, Persian)

Juglans spp.
(Juglandaceae)

Additional information is available in the Draft Guidance: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5): Guidance for Industry at https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/draft-guidance-industry-questions-and-answers-regarding-food-allergen-labeling-edition-5. 

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