Controversial 'tofu ban' slammed by experts as they point out huge double standard

Experts are hitting out at a controversial proposed ‘tofu ban', saying they are ‘surprised’ by the recommendations made by a leading food agency.

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is made by taking dry soy beans and mixing them with water and salt, before pressing the curds that are made from this process – similar to how some cheeses are made.

It has become particularly popular among those following vegetarian and vegan diets, as it is a plant-based source of protein. However, that’s not to say it’s without its issues.

Some fear it isn’t as healthy for us as we may assume, as it contains isoflavones – compounds that function in the body a bit like oestrogen.

There has been conflicting research on whether or not soy-based foods can have an impact on fertility, with a 2008 study finding that a ‘higher intake of soy foods and soy isoflavones is associated with lower sperm concentration’, while a later 2020 paper concluded that there was no ‘significant’ link.

There has been conflicting research about tofu (Getty Stock Images)

That said, ANSES – the French food safety agency – is now recommending that soy-based food should be banned from mass catering, with Euractiv reporting how these concerns are based on the ‘health risks’ associated with their consumption.

Naturally, the announcement earlier this week has been met with backlash from many NGOs (non-governmental organisations), who have been quick to defend plant-based diets.

In a statement to the outlet, Anna-Lena Klapp, head of research at ProVeg International, said: "We are surprised by the ANSES recommendation to exclude soy-based foods from catering despite their well-documented health and environmental benefits.”

Klapp was also keen to point out a crucial double standard between soy and meat by ANSES.

"We are surprised that ANSES does not make a comparable recommendation for processed red meat,” she said.

A number of NGOs have spoken out (IzaLysonArts/500px/Getty Images)

“In 2015, the World Health Organisation classified processed meat as a carcinogen. ANSES has not made a recommendation to remove it from mass catering."

Rafael Pinto, senior policy manager at the European Vegetarian Union, described the decision as ‘defying the scientific consensus’, claiming it is a ‘tactic to push consumers away from plant-based alternatives’ as he called on the medical community to ‘debunk this fear’.

Meanwhile, Michela Bisonni, director of Plant Based Foods Europe, believes that the decision was taken ‘without considering the full set of evidence (...) to conclude on a balanced risk-benefit approach’.

She said bluntly: “Soy-based foods have been safely consumed around the world for centuries."

LADbible Group has reached out to ANSES for comment.