Parents of peanut-allergic kids know to scan the food ingredient listing before buying a new brand. But these same parents may not realize that lupin, a legume in the peanut family, can cause allergic reactions as well. Lupin, a yellow colored bean, is very popular in Europe, Mediterranean countries, Australia and New Zealand. It contains the same protein that causes allergic reactions to peanuts and soybeans.
Lupin, sometimes called lupine, is showing up in more foods as a wheat replacement. Lupin flour is a good substitute for gluten-containing flours in gluten-free foods. Food manufacturers are required to list lupin on the food label.
The FDA is monitoring complaints of lupin allergies in the US. They want consumers and health care providers to report any lupin-related adverse events. You can contact the FDA by phone 240-402-2405; by email – caers@cfsan.fda.gov; or by mail at FDA, CAERS, HFS-700, 2A-012/CKP1, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740.
