Lupin: New Requirements for Mandatory Allergen Labeling

20 Jun 2017 --- Lupin has been added to the list of nine allergens that must be declared on food labels.

The changes mean all food businesses will need to declare lupin on food labels whenever it is present as an ingredient or as a component of food additives or processing aids.

Food business will have 12 months from 25 May 2017 to meet these requirements.

Australia and New Zealand have one of the highest rates of allergic disorders in the world, so it’s critical that food businesses get their allergen labelling right. 

FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said lupin has been recognised as a significant allergen in the European Union food regulations since 2007.

“Historically, most of the Australian sweet lupin crop has been used for animal feed or exported. However, because of its high protein and fiber content, lupin is increasingly being used in food for people.  Due to the increase in use in food and some cases of allergic response, FSANZ decided lupin should be one of the allergens requiring mandatory declaration,” said Booth.

“Australia and New Zealand have among the highest prevalence of allergic disorders in the developed world so it’s critical that food businesses get their allergen labeling right.

“The ten foods/ingredients that must be declared are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, sesame seeds, fish and shellfish, soy, wheat and now lupin. These ingredients must be declared on the food label whenever they are present as ingredients or as components of food additives or processing aids,” he said.

Booth said if the food is not in a package or is not required to have a label (for example, food prepared at and sold from a takeaway shop), allergen information must either be displayed in connection with the food or provided to the purchaser if requested.