On October 26th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began allowing food products containing soy protein to carry a label promoting the heart-health benefits of soy. According to an FDA statement, the approval "is based on evidence that soy protein in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may...help to reduce the risk of [heart disease]."

The new health claim permits foods containing at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving to include information on soy's role in reducing risk of heart disease on their labels. The amount of soy protein required in each serving is one quarter what is considered to be the effective amount of 25 grams per day. Because soy protein can be found in or added to a variety of foods, it is possible for consumers to eat foods containing soy protein at all three meals and for snacks.

Foods eligible for the new labels include soy beverages, tofu, soy-based meat alternatives, soy protein powders and many others. Most foods that carry the health claim must also meet labeling requirements for low-fat, low-saturated fat and low-cholesterol foods. However, foods made with the entire soybean may carry the claim if they contain no added fat.

An example of the new label may state: "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving of (name of food) provides (XXX) grams of soy protein."