Government and Regulatory Affairs is essential for shaping public policies that influence the use and reputation of soyfoods. Built on a foundational knowledge and grounded in evidence, SNI Global gives the soyfoods industry a voice in the regulatory process. Our efforts are a combination of determining how soy fits in, promoting soy, and defending soy in the regulatory and legislative environments. Through SNI Global, the soyfoods industry can speak with a consistent and cohesive message while harnessing the power of the collective. SNI Global keeps watch on key soy-related issues and advances the soy industry platform domestically and internationally.

SNI Global In Action

Military Ban of Soy Additives

In the fall of 2017, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) issued a directive banning soy protein additives in food for military use. After much industry protest, the directive was rescinded, but the issue did not go away. Some health professionals within the military still seem to harbor “clean label” intentions – idealistic in nature, but impractical, and detrimental to the soy industry. It seems that the industry push back on the proposed ban on soy protein additives has halted the movement for a ban, other than in the area of meat products. This is one area where the DLA suggests the goal of “purity,” desiring not to mix meat protein and plant protein. But even this could cause widespread disruption in the soy industry and vigorous opposition to this continues with pushback from the Consumer Brands Association. SNI Global continues to defend soy protein products such as soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate and soy flour.

FDA Soy Protein Health Claim

In October of 2017, the FDA published a proposed rule to revoke or downgrade to “qualified” the “unqualified (or authorized)” current health claim for soy protein that was originally approved in 1999. FDA’s final decision is pending. The SNI Global activated its response to the FDA’s proposal by providing input and official comments, gathering information, and issuing public statements. In addition, at the urging of SNI Global, Dr. David Jenkins, University of Toronto, and colleagues, meta-analyzed the data from the 46 studies upon which the FDA is basing its decision. They found soy protein lowered LDL-cholesterol 3-4%, which is statistically significant. Further, they have shown that the results of studies published prior to the 1999 health claim approval are similar to the results of studies published subsequent to the claim. The findings of these studies were provided to the FDA for consideration in its decision regarding the soy protein health claim.