Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Coconut is the fruit of the tropical palm Cocos nucifera, whose flesh, oil, milk, cream, and water are widely consumed as natural food ingredients worldwide. Coconut oil, pressed from the kernel (copra), is particularly valued as a cooking fat and food-processing ingredient due to its oxidative stability, high saturated fat content (~90%), and characteristic flavour; CAS 8001-31-8 refers specifically to the oil, which is the most regulated derivative.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Coconut and its derivatives are broadly approved and not banned in any major jurisdiction; however, coconut oil's exceptionally high saturated fatty acid content—predominantly lauric acid (C12:0)—is consistently associated with elevations in LDL cholesterol across multiple systematic reviews, sustaining ongoing cardiovascular risk debate. WHO published a 2024 rapid evidence review on coconut oil and cardiovascular outcomes, and is developing formal tropical oil guidelines following its 2023 saturated fat guidance. The FDA classifies coconut as a major tree nut allergen under FALCPA, requiring mandatory label declaration and posing a risk of anaphylaxis in sensitised individuals.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Coconut and coconut oil are natural food ingredients not subject to pre-market additive approval in the EU; no E-number is assigned. EFSA has not issued a dedicated safety opinion on coconut as a food ingredient. The WHO 2024 rapid review on coconut oil and cardiovascular health serves as the principal reference for risk communication pending formal EU guidance on tropical oils.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	FSSAI Amendment Regulation 2018 revised existing standards for coconut milk and coconut cream; these products must be heat-treated (pasteurisation, sterilisation, or UHT) and may be sold in concentrated or reduced-fat ('light') forms.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Coconut oil is listed in the FDA EAFUS (Substances Added to Food) database as GRAS under 21 CFR 184 for direct food use. Coconut is separately classified as a major tree nut allergen under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), mandating declaration on all packaged food labels. No specific ADI established.source

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Nut Allergy — The FDA classifies coconut as a tree nut and a major food allergen under FALCPA; sensitised individuals may experience reactions ranging from urticaria to anaphylaxis upon ingestion.

Heart Disease — Multiple systematic reviews and the WHO 2024 rapid evidence review consistently show that coconut oil raises LDL cholesterol comparably to other saturated fats, warranting moderation in individuals with or at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

Hypertension — High saturated fat intake from coconut oil may adversely affect lipid profiles and vascular health in individuals with hypertension; moderation and clinician consultation are advised.

Children — WHO's 2024 rapid review on coconut oil and cardiovascular health covers all age groups including children, and WHO recommends awaiting formal tropical oil guidelines before making broad dietary recommendations for high intake in paediatric populations.

Pregnancy — Pending formal WHO tropical oil guidelines and given concerns about high saturated fat intake affecting maternal lipid profiles, pregnant individuals should moderate coconut oil consumption and seek dietary guidance.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FDA. Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) – Coconut Oil. hfpappexternal.fda.gov
2WHO. A rapid overview of systematic reviews on the effects of coconut oil intake compared with intake of other vegetable oils on mortality and cardiovascular health in children and adults, 2024. who.int
3PubMed. Are We Nuts Over Coconuts? Studying the Effects of Coconut Oil on Low-Density Lipoprotein and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review, 2022. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4PubMed. Health Effects of Coconut Oil – A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, 2018. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Fourteenth Amendment Regulations, 2017 – Virgin Coconut Oil Standard, 2017. fssai.gov.in

Independently researched5 citations