Ingredient interpreting is an important aspect of Living with a Soy Free Diet. Under the Australian Food Law, any ingredient derived from soy must be declared in the ingredients of any food product sold. This will be evident in the ingredients themselves and/or in a contains statement below the ingredients. Always be sure to check the ingredients on a product to see if it contains soy. The 'Soy Free', or similar statement denoting that the product does not contain soy, overrides the ingredient listing. For example, a labelled 'soy free' product with an ingredient stating 'vegetable protein extract (soy derived)' will be soy free, despite what the ingredient listing may reveal. Contains statements are used to state the most common allergens. These include soy, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish/shellfish products, egg, sesame seed, wheat, rye, barley, oats and sulphites (preservatives above 10ppm). There is currently no obligation for companies to declare allergens in a contains statement provided that it is clearly stated in the ingredient listings. IMPORTANT: If a product does not reveal soy in any of the ingredients, but declares its presence on the Contains statement, the product should be avoided nonetheless as the particular ingredients derived from the allergen remain unknown. The statement 'contains soy' usually indicates the ingredient is not suitable for a soy free diet. However, If individual ingredients are identified as being derived from a soy source, then the 'contains' statement refers directly to these ingredients. Specifically if the only ingredient in the product is soy lecithin 322, the 'contains' statement (i.e. contains soy) refers only to this ingredient and the product may be suitable for some on a soy free diet depending on his/her sensitivity. Please note that these laws may differ from Country to Country and it is recommended that individuals concerned purchase an edition of Lets Eat Out!: Your Passport to Living Gluten And Allergy Free (Paperback) - available at AMAZON www.amazon.com + many other online retailers. |
