Lupin — Food Safety Glossary

A legume that is a declared allergen under the Food Standards Code, sometimes used in flours and meat alternatives, and capable of causing allergic reactions.

Frequently asked questions

Is lupin really a declared allergen in Australia?

Yes. Lupin is one of the declared allergens under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, so its presence in food must be declared. It is a legume sometimes used in flours and meat alternatives and can cause allergic reactions.

Which foods might contain lupin?

Lupin can appear in some bakery products, pasta, flours and plant-based meat alternatives. Because it is a less familiar allergen, it is easy to overlook, so checking supplier specifications and ingredient labels is important where these products are used.

Is there a link between lupin and peanut allergy?

Yes, there is a recognised link. Some people who are allergic to peanut may also react to lupin, as both are legumes. This is one reason lupin declarations should be treated seriously so that peanut-allergic and lupin-allergic customers get accurate information.

How must lupin be declared on packaged food?

Lupin must be declared when present, and on packaged food it is declared like other allergens under Plain English Allergen Labelling, including in bold in the ingredient list and in the Contains summary statement using its plain-English name.

Does lupin need to be declared on unpackaged food?

Yes. As with other declared allergens, allergen information about lupin must be available for food that is not labelled, either displayed with the food or provided to the customer on request.

Declared allergens Allergen Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) Allergen summary statement Food labelling Food safety glossary Food safety guides
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