FDA Allows More Comments on Proposal to Disallow Soy Protein Health Claims on Food Labeling

The Food and Drug Administration is extending until March 19 the period for comments on its proposal to revoke a regulation authorizing the use on food labeling of health claims that eating soy protein reduces the risk of heart disease. According to the agency’s proposed rule (see 1710310023), evidence has emerged since the health claim was authorized in 1998 that contradicts the finding that soy protein encourages heart health. If FDA finalizes its rule, it “intends to allow the use of a qualified health claim as long as there is sufficient evidence to support a link between eating soy protein and a reduced risk of heart disease,” an FDA official said when the agency issued the proposal.