Bonsoy Soy Milk International Health Alert

Bonsoy Soy Milk Sold In Europe & Asia. More Recalls To Come?

On Christmas Eve, Australian food safety authorities alerted consumers to health risks associated with drinking Bonsoy Soy Milk.

This "traditional style" Japanese soy milk, manufactured by Muso Co. Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) and imported into Australia by Spiral Foods Pty. Ltd., has been linked to at least 10 reports of thyroid dysfunction in New South Wales. One of the victims is a newborn infant whose mother drank Bonsoy Soy Milk during her pregnancy.

Lab analysis has found that Bonsoy Soy Milk contains very high levels of iodine resulting, most likely, from the presence of kelp in the product formula.

The recalled Bonsoy Soy Milk was distributed nationally in Australia through Coles, Woolworths/Safeway, Metcash, Health Food Shops and cafés. It also was distributed in New Zealand – although New Zealand authorities have not yet issued a recall notice – and in Hong Kong.

Our own research has revealed that Bonsoy Soy Milk is sold in many countries and regions other than Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Here are just a few of the countries around the world where Bonsoy is advertised:

• Croatia
• Malaysia
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Spain
• United Kingdom

The recalled product is described as follows:

• Bonsoy Soy Milk, 1 litre: All dates up to and including Best Before 03.11.11; APN/EAN/TUN Number 9312336049037

We suggest that anyone who has purchased Bonsoy Soy Milk that matches this description, whether in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand or elsewhere, should set the product aside and check with local or national health authorities before consuming it.

Please watch this blog for further updates.