The American Soybean Association (ASA) is requesting a meeting with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in response to their request for information about soy ingredients they intend to prohibit. Read the letter here.

Why?

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. ASA and several other groups initially submitted comments regarding soy health facts since the announcement. Read ASA’s here.

However…

ASA joins the Coalition for Uniformity in Food Ingredient Standards in disappointment upon learning that, despite efforts to share information, the Army Buyer’s Guide Version 11 continues to exclude soy protein extenders.

What does ASA say? “Soy is an important component of the American diet, providing high-quality protein that lowers blood cholesterol. 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.”

What else is ASA doing?

In addition to comments and the meeting request, 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.