Waitrose is to change the name of its Kaffir Lime Leaves after complaints the word is a racial slur.

Kaffir was used in apartheid South Africa as an anti-black insult.

The “Cooks’ Ingredients” Kaffir Lime Leaves will now be called Makrut Lime Leaves.

The dried leaves are a popular addition to South East Asian cooking.

Helena Dennis, Waitrose grocery trading manager, said:

“This name change is a crucial step in recognising how important it is for us to listen to customers and educate ourselves when it comes to the language we use.

“While some of our customers may be unaware of the connotations of this particular word, it’s important to us that we avoid offending anyone who shops with us.

“It is changes like this that ensure we are moving forward.

“We need industry-wide support on this and encourage other retailers to do the same in order to make a difference on a widespread, national scale.”