Warning over lupin allergy
Crêpes, waffles and pastries imported from the Continent could spark a severe allergic reaction in customers because they contain lupin seeds, caterers and restaurateurs are being warned.
The Anaphylaxis Campaign has urged proprietors to be on the alert for foods containing the flower, which is widely used as an ingredient in France, Holland and Italy. Lupin is also common in Italian pasta, gaufres and other "bought in" bakery items, said Hazel Gowland, food adviser for the campaign.
The fact that the seeds can cause an allergic reaction similar to that from peanuts was little-known in the UK, she added.
"Caterers and restaurateurs need to be looking for it in their ingredients and treat it in the same way as peanut allergy."
People already allergic to peanuts would most likely be allergic to lupins, she added.
Caterers on the Continent often prefer to use lupin as a flour because of its nutty taste, attractive yellow colour and because it is guaranteed GM-free.
