FDA Issues Alert about Allergies to Lupin

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an alert about the potential risks of eating a legume called lupin.

Lupin is a legume in the plant family Leguminosae, the same family as peanuts. Lupin beans are commonly eaten in Mediterranean cuisine. The beans are also used to make lupin flour and protein, which are often used in gluten-free products. Because lupin is commonly used in European cuisine, unlike in the United States, European regulations require labeling to clearly note if a product contains lupin.

According to the recent alert from the FDA, lupin can cause severe, potentially life-threatening, allergic reactions in some people, including anaphylaxis. People who are allergic to peanuts have a greater risk of reacting to lupin.

Due to the recent increase in the production of gluten-free products, lupin is used more and more commonly in the United States. While lupin is not currently one of the eight major food allergens that requires special labeling in the United States, all ingredients must be included on the food label. Consumers are advised to check food labels and report any allergic reactions to their healthcare provider and FDA.

For more information about recent concerns about lupin, please visit www.fdv.gov.

References

1. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). www.fda.gov