Coconut Test Kit for On-Site Detection

Coconuts are drupes from the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) commonly mistaken for tree nuts. The coconut tree is a palm tree widespread around the world. Its cultivation requires hot and wet weather. Producers in tropical regions of Asia are responsible for over 70% of worldwide coconut production.

Allergy to coconut is rather rare, with only a few documented cases of its occurrence. Its emergence as an allergen source of importance comes from its inclusion by the USFDA in the group of allergens that must be declared in product labels (“the big 8”, in which it is listed as a tree nut). Regardless of its low prevalence, all documented cases of allergy to coconut have included anaphylactic reactions, which can be lethal when not promptly and properly treated.

Its inclusion in “the big 8” as a tree nut usually leads many nuts-allergic consumers to fear adverse reactions towards products containing coconut. Furthermore, some cases of cross-reactivity with tree nuts like almond, hazelnut, macadamia and walnut have been observed. Nevertheless, nut-allergic patients do not show a clear higher propensity to have also coconut allergy. Another described cross-reactivity in coconut-allergic individuals is towards lentils.

Romer Labs AgraStrip test kits are lateral flow devices (LFD)  for the qualitative analysis of coconut in environmental samples, rinse waters, beverages and food products.