Lupin Bean
Also known as: lupine bean, lupin, lupines, lupine, sweet lupin
Sweet lupin varieties contain low alkaloid levels and are safe to eat. Bitter lupin or improperly debittered lupin can contain quinolizidine alkaloids causing toxicity.
What it is
Edible seeds of Lupinus species (sweet lupin), eaten as a snack or processed into flour, protein isolate, or pickled beans.
Protein-rich legume; used as flour, snack, or meat alternative.
Why it's flagged
- lupin allergen with peanut cross-reactivity
- quinolizidine alkaloid toxicity from improperly debittered/bitter varieties
What regulators actually say
"Lupin and products thereof - listed in Annex II as a substance or product causing allergies or intolerances."
"EFSA established an acute reference dose (ARfD) of 0.0056 mg/kg body weight for the sum of major quinolizidine alkaloids in lupin seeds."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
No specific regulation; not on FDA major allergen list (until 2023 sesame addition); FDA has issued advisories about lupin allergy
European Union — EFSA
Lupin is a regulated allergen (Annex II of Reg 1169/2011); EFSA reviewed quinolizidine alkaloid safety
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