Precautionary Soy Labeling Statement
Refined vegetable oils can be derived from plants which are recognized as potent food allergens, such as soy lecithin used as an emulsifier in the cocoa and derived product industry. The soybean allergens are found in the protein fraction. The vast majority of this protein fraction is removed in the soy lecithin manufacturing process, as a full refining of oils results in almost complete removal from oils of protein.
Soy lecithin does contain trace levels of soy proteins and these have been found to include soy allergens. However, soy lecithin does not contain sufficient soy protein residues to provoke allergic reactions in the majority of soy-allergic consumers. The level of soy proteins in soy lecithin are challenging to assess due to the very low level of concentration.
Considering the limit of detection of the current available methods (1mg/kg), considering the reference dose suggested by the Allergen Bureau (VITAL 2.0) of 100g and the limit of 1mg of pure soy allergen protein fraction and considering the maximal crossover of soy lecithin in the producing process (below 0.5%), the risk of allergenicity of soybean proteins from crossover is considered negligible.
Therefore, Santa Barbara Chocolate does not apply a precautionary “may contain soy” labeling on finished products having a risk of cross contact with soy lecithin containing products.
A specific vendor assurance program is in place to control the source of soy lecithin used within Santa Barbara Chocolate, to certify that the raw materials used in our process are compliant with cGMP to provide safe food to our consumers.
References:
FARRP Position on Soy Lecithin, Statement of September 28, 2017 - Allergenicity of Soybean Lecithin.
https://farrp.unl.edu/soy-lecithin
Allergen Bureau - Vital 2.0
Allergenicity of refined vegetable oils, Crevel et al., 2000. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 38 #4 385-93
*This communication is intended to provide advice to Santa Barbara Chocolate customers upon their request. Our interpretation of the law does not represent a formal legal opinion, as we have not sought concurrence with the competent authorities. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal counsel.