FDA Allows Soy-Based Foods, Drinks to Be Fortified with Vitamin D

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended its food-additive regulations to allow soy-based foods and drinks to be fortified with vitamin D. The amendment, which was prepared in response to a petition filed by Dean Foods, allows for the addition of crystalline vitamin D2—and not the resin from the vitamin—to soy beverages, soy beverage products, soy-based butter substitute spreads, soy-based cheese substitutes, and soy-based cheese substitute products.

The FDA concluded, “there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from the use of vitamin D2 as a nutrient supplement” in the soy products in question. See Federal Register and Foodnavigator-usa.com, March 16, 2009.