Singapore Airlines Economy Class will no longer serve snack packs containing peanuts. 

This is according to an SIA spokesperson:

"Since April 2018, Singapore Airlines has stopped serving peanuts as snacks to customers in all cabin classes."

Instead, peas and crackers will be served.

Low SES vs High SES nuts

Interestingly enough, there are different classes of nuts served depending on class of cabin.

Almonds and cashews will continue to be served in Business Class and Premium Economy Class, while passengers in Suites and First Class will continue to be served cashews, macadamia nuts and walnuts.

Peanut vs Tree nut allergy

However, something not many people are aware of: Peanuts are not classified as nuts.

Peanuts are classified as legumes, not true nuts, as they grow underground.

Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts and cashews, grow on trees and are not related to peanuts.

A person who has a peanut allergy may or may not be allergic to tree nuts, and vice versa.

Currently, SIA is able to accommodate nut-free meals on board. These meals do not contain peanuts, tree nuts, or any of their derivatives.

Previous case of peanut allergy

However, nut-free meals do not ensure a nut-free environment.

In July 2017, a three-year-old toddler suffered from a severe peanut allergy while flying from Singapore to Melbourne on SIA.

The allergy was triggered after passengers opened packets of peanuts that had been served to them.

SIA subsequently reviewed the serving of nuts after the incident.

Sparked intense debate

SIA is not the first airline to stop serving peanuts on their flights. Carriers such as Qantas and Air New Zealand have already done so.

Other carriers, such as JetBlue, have created a nut-free buffer zone around the individual with allergies.

Responses to this peanut ban has been divisive.

Against the policy

Some responded with anger that a blanket replacement has taken place and felt that this move to accommodate allergies could potentially open up more problems in the future:

Agreeing with the policy

Others, however, were more sympathetic, pointing out that passengers should be sensitive to these life-threatening allergies:

[related_story]

Nut-free environment not guaranteed

Even with this replacement, SIA's website clarified that they are "unable to guarantee an allergy-free environment on board".

This is so as the airline will not be able to stop passengers from bringing their own peanuts on board the flight, which was noted in some responses:

Top photo from SIA