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National Milk supports FDA removing soy health claims

 

The National Milk Producers Federation has submitted comments in support of the Food and Drug Administration revoking its heart health claim for soy foods.

Chris Galen with the federation tells Brownfield the FDA has been talking about removing the heart health designation for the past decade as nutrition research has evolved.  “The science on this is evolving and our understanding of what actually contributes to heart disease is changing and so there’s no longer a consistent link in the research that’s been done between soy consumption and heart disease.”

The FDA is taking comments on the proposed rule that, if finalized, would require soy protein foods to have labels that qualify the heart health claim. The FDA also says the current U.S. dietary guidelines still stand: that soy drinks and soy protein foods are part of a healthy eating pattern.

Galen says National Milk is also asking the agency to enforce its labeling standards for dairy products.  “The FDA needs to play a firm role and have a strong hand in what it allows companies to advertise as health benefits for products and also how it allows companies to label their products.”  He says FDA defines ‘milk’ as coming from a dairy animal.

AUDIO: Interview with Chis Galen