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To: Honourable Annette King, Minister of Health Re: SOY BABY FOODS & PHYTOESTROGENS Dear Minister. You already have had the advice below: (1) The Ministry of Health (December 2, 1994) •The toxicity of several natural components of raw soybean and soybean products has been well-known for years. The toxicants include phytoestrogens. Potentially, (if the dose: was high enough over a sufficient length of time) such toxicants could cause significant adverse effects. Possible effects would include growth depression, immuno-suppression, abnormal responses to hormone stimulation, and cancer.’ (2) The UK Governments Committee on Toxicants In Food (COT) (July 16 1996) "The potential of phytoestrogens. including (soy) isoflavones' to adversely affect infants is of particular concern since it is possible that a hormonal imbalance in early life can permanently affect sexual development and fertility" (3) The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society (October 1996) "There are endogenous estrogenic agents in soy formulae which have an unknown but real potential to cause harm. We believe that consumers should be made aware of the presence of phytoestrogens in soy formulae so they can make a decision based on the current state of knowledge" (4) The UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (February 2003) Based on the evidence' the use of soy-based infant formulae is of concern. Whilst there is clear evidence of potential risk, there is no evidence that these products confer any health benefit” (5) The UK Food Standards Agency (May 2003) "Some people have claimed that foods rich in phytoestrogens are particularly good for health, and that eating these foods could prevent or improve conditions related to levels of hormones In the body. such as symptoms of the menopause, osteoporosis. heart disease, and breast and prostate cancer. Some fortified foods and supplements have been developed with high levels of phytoestrogens in them. However, even though there has been extensive scientific research to find out whether phytoestrogens are good for our health, there is little decisive evidence to show that they are” Minister when are you going to tell the New Zealand public all these facts? By law, consumers must be correctly advised by you. For more information on the issues please visit
Yours Sincerely, Mike Fitzpatrick PhD, Titirangi Valerie A James BA., R.D.4. Whangarei Richard f James MBA 1113. RD 4. Whangarei Dr David J Woodhams, CEng. Pafliser Bay
In response to Richard James (Whangarei Leader, July 1) I was not aware that soy infant formula was ever an election issue, in the way GE was last year. However, I took up the matter on my own accord with the Ministry of Health within a month of being elected in 1996. At the time, the Ministry was awaiting more definitive research from Britain. Again in 2000, I lobbied the new Health Minister, Annette King, over the issue and have recently taken steps to further pursue the issue with her. Richard James has been aware of these facts. I totally reject his assertion that somehow I have been got at by multinational companies. The only people who have ever lobbied me over this issue are the Jameses. I agree with the Jameses that the Ministry of Health has not been as forthright as it might in issuing public warnings about the possible risk of infant baby formula. However, do not believe for one moment that it is because they are controlled by globalised multinational corporations. Rather, in the face of research findings that have not been definitive, they have erred on the side of caution. In light of the recent British Committee report I do not believe that position can continue to be maintained.
Hon Brian Donnelly MP NZ First — List Whangarei
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