The Nut Conundrum

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Advice needed--we are a "nut aware" school. Our cafeteria supervisor asked if she can serve coconut water. I know coconut isn't technically a tree nut, but for some reason the FDA considers it one. We have no students with reported coconut allergies. I advised to avoid serving coconut water if possible (just so we don't have any angry parents). What are your thoughts?

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Hello friend, I learned something new today! "A coconut is not a botanical nut; it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut." -from acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/tree-nut-allergy

I myself have a tree nut allergy (almonds), and had no idea coco"nuts" were not really nuts at all!

I would tread lightly though as you have, telling her that if they can avoid it, to do so. Also you may have parents calling, just educate them.

Have a wonderful day.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

No reason to fix it if it's not broken...no reason to serve coconut water. Water water should be just fine. Somebody will find some reason to object.

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Specializes in Med-surg, school nursing..

Agree, what is the reasoning for wanting to serve coconut water?

You could support with evidence that coconut isn't actually a nut but one child "reacting" and an angry parent is all it takes.

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Agree, what is the reasoning for wanting to serve coconut water?

You could support with evidence that coconut isn't actually a nut but one child "reacting" and an angry parent is all it takes.

Our food supplier sent coconut water instead of juice for the kids' snack time. The cafeteria supervisor was nervous as soon as she saw it.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

Coconut water makes me say yuck! I wonder if the kids will even drink it. Maybe if you're in a high school and the kids want to be all trendy.

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Coconut water makes me say yuck! I wonder if the kids will even drink it. Maybe if you're in a high school and the kids want to be all trendy.

Haha we're pre-k to high school, but agreed on coconut water. It tastes awful. I'm sure I'd get a lot of "belly aches" if it was served to the littles.

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We've decided to put all of the coconut water in the vending machine in the staff break room.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Our district went Nut free zone a couple years ago due to student allergy. Well that same student has returned to our district this time as a jr high kid, (my school). We have given her accomidations that were listed from the doctor, but the Cafeteria Manager always thinks we arent doing enough. She calls me weekly asking about different things she might try. I finally had to tell her, LADY, it's your ship to run. The principal doesn't think there's a huge need to change things, why are you even bothering me? UGGG!

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Specializes in NCSN.
We've decided to put all of the coconut water in the vending machine in the staff break room.

I think that was the best thing you could've done!

I agree with everyone above, even though it would be a good teaching moment, I just takes one "reaction" to blow everything out of proportion.

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Why take the chance?

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

What is a "nut aware" school?

I can think of a couple of working definitions that have nothing to do with food consumption.

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