The American Soybean Association (ASA) submitted comments last week to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in response to their request for information about ingredients they intend to prohibit. In August, food companies received a surprise notice from DLA that a number of ingredients must be removed from military dining, including Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Isolated Soybean Protein (ISP), Soy Protein Concentrate (SPC), and Vegetable Protein Product (VPP) when used as meat protein extenders.

“Soy is an important component of the American diet, providing high-quality protein that lowers blood cholesterol,” ASA President John Heisdorffer wrote. “Food service providers have, for many years, been utilizing soy ingredients to lower saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. The implication that soy is used as a filler for meat protein is simply incorrect.”

In addition to these comments, ASA and other stakeholder groups have met with top U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition officials, as well as many Members of Congress to explain that this proposal would have negative consequences for nutrition and functionality of food served to service members.

ASA is concerned that there has been little consultation with stakeholders or other government agencies like USDA, and that it is unclear that stakeholder concerns will be addressed.

The full text of the letter is here.