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SECOND INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
ON THE ROLE OF SOY
IN PREVENTING AND TREATING CHRONIC DISEASESeptember 15-18, 1996
Brussells, Belgium
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM
Satellite Symposium
Current Understanding of Soy and Infant Health
Debate on Possible Hazards of Soy Infant Formulas: A View from New Zealand
John Birkbeck, J. Wattie Foods Limited, Auckland, NZ.Controversy over the phytoestrogen content of soy infant formulas, and possible consequences for sexual development, originated with a breeder of parrots who was faced with unexplained disease and death in some of his flock. Noting that the feed contained soy protein, an analytical chemist was commissioned to report on its possible implication. While the report contained no new evidence, the list of potentially deleterious substances in soybeans led to new concerns about soy in human food. Targets included soy formulas, where analyses showed quite high levels of phytoestrogens, and sale of raw soy flakes without warnings as to how they should be used. A pressure group, the "Soy Information Network" attempted to have a ban placed in soy formulas. In the absence of any reported deleterious effects in several decades of use, and lack of evidence that the phytoestrogens present were even absorbed, such a ban was resisted. Government comments echoed the stance of the Plunket Society (MCH) that while such formulas should be used for specific indications such as cow milk allergy, there was no reason to prohibit their use. The resulting publicity has seen in 2 years a 35% reduction in sales of soy infant formulas, previously holding a surprising 13% of the formula market. Use of a soy follow-on formula, new to the market, has continued to increase. The controversy affected sales of other products such as soy milks. The recent decision of the UK government not to ban soy formulas but to accelerate studies of possible effects is welcome as the debate to date has been based on speculation and a significant lack of scientific evidence.
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