We Respond to the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) Soya Recommendation

As a leading authority in plant-based nutrition and public health advocacy, we have issued a formal response to the recent recommendations by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) regarding the exclusion of soya products in mass catering settings.

Key Points from Our Statement:
• Scientific Consensus: Extensive research underscores the health benefits of soya consumption, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced cancer risk, and support for metabolic health.

• Isoflavones Safety: Leading health authorities, such as the EFSA and WHO, have found no evidence of harm from typical soya intake, even with long-term consumption.

• Public Health Implications: The removal of soya from mass catering could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, undermining efforts towards healthier, sustainable diets.

Dr. Nanine Wyma, Managing Director of PAN International, emphasises:
“A recommendation like this, especially from a national agency, is a public health concern. It sends an alarmist message unsupported by clinical evidence, undermines public trust in nutrition science, and risks diverting individuals from safe, health-promoting foods.”

We believe this topic is of significant relevance to your audience, given the ongoing discussions surrounding nutrition, public health policies, and sustainable food systems.

Read our full letter here.