tree nut allergy question

[zoemurr]

Is your child allergic to tree nuts? If so do they eat movie theater popcorn?

We got a commercial popcorn maker for Christmas. It recommends we use coconut oil. I read somewhere to caution those w/nut allergies if we use it. One of DDs friends has this allergy but said she has had movie theater popcorn.

I asked at 3 places w/commercial poppers this week and they all use coconut oil. I have taught pre-school and had children with this allergy before but had never thought to carefully check popcorn, and it had never been mentioned by a parent.

Then after more investigation I read that coconut is actually a fruit, and most people w/nut allergies are not bothered by it. Just want to keep kids safe when they are here. Of course I would mention it to all parents anyway.

Thanks!

 

[Christine]

My son has a tree nut allergy and has no problems with coconut in any form. Coconut is not in the same family as tree nuts.

 

[PeterPan09]

I've had nut allergies my whole life and I've eaten movie theatre popcorn too-so I think you're good.

 

[zoemurr]

I was surprised when I saw the warning on the oil.
DD's friend's mom said she was allergic to coconut, but maybe she misunderstood and thought it was in the tree nut family.

Of course I'll let her make the final decision.

 

[msjprincess]

The FDA classifies coconut as a tree nut. But most people with tree nut allergies are not allergic to coconut.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

I'm tree nut/coconut allergic

I have had several reactions to coconut foods in the past, but haven't had a reaction to popcorn that I can recall. Places cook with coconut/coconut oil pretty often and if I feel my throat feel funny... I know to stop and take some meds. My reactions to coconut haven't been quite as severe as almonds--so that's a good thing As always... it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

[720L]

My DD is tree nut/coconut allergic, and as a PP stated, coconut is a tree nut according to the FDA. She doesn't eat the theater popcorn.

 

[TxAnn]

Another heads up: be sure and check the popcorn kernels that you use. One brand (I can't remember which) has a cross contamination warning on it meaning it is made in a facility that produces nut products.

As a mom of a ds with a nut allergy, thanks for being so cautious for your dd's friend.

 

[zoemurr]

Another heads up: be sure and check the popcorn kernels that you use. One brand (I can't remember which) has a cross contamination warning on it meaning it is made in a facility that produces nut products.

As a mom of a ds with a nut allergy, thanks for being so cautious for your dd's friend.

This is actually a 3 in 1 packet that has salt, popcorn and coconut oil all combined. But I will keep that in mind.

I appreciate the nice note. Not only do I not want to hurt anyone (of course) but I don't want anyone to feel left out. I have made dairy-free birthday cakes and had balloon replacements for a child who was allergic to latex. I always make sure I have some Halloween candy that is straight sugar to cover everyone. (I had a friend who used to go to the closest 10 houses and drop off candy ahead of time so her son could have some.) I don't let my son eat peanut butter before/during a gymnastics competiton because it might get on the equipment and I have no idea if there are allergies. Only takes a few minutes of thought ahead of time.

I'm very fortunate my kids don't have these issues, but I try to be sensitive to those that do.

Thanks everyone for their help. Like I said I'm usually pretty responsible about allergies and was surprised I had never heard of popcorn bothering anyone. Glad I knew before I served it.

 

[englishteacha]

I'm allergic to pine nuts, and can't eat coconut (I was little the last time I had coconut so I don't recall what my reaction was...I just don't eat it!). I haven't had problems with coconut oil, though. Everything around here is cooked in it.

 

[Shelly888]

Another heads up: be sure and check the popcorn kernels that you use. One brand (I can't remember which) has a cross contamination warning on it meaning it is made in a facility that produces nut products.

As a mom of a ds with a nut allergy, thanks for being so cautious for your dd's friend.

I want to ditto this!! My Ds has outgrown all of his allergies(dairy, soy, eggs, and wheat), and nobody in my *family* ever accommodated his food allergies, ever! He was allergic for almost 6 years! DH's family did good, not perfect, and not all of the time, but they tried. Wish more people were as sensitive, and smart about keeping our children safe as you!

 

[lemondog]

Also, the proteins are removed from the oils so even if there was a coconut allergy then you may still be able to consume the oil. My friend is deathly allergic to peanuts, but can eat foods cooked in peanut oil because the protein is removed.