Recall of BonSoy soy milk product – contains extremely high levels of iodine



Queensland Health provided this advice in late December 2009

BonSoy is a soy milk product distributed nationally in Australia. Tests have shown the product exceeds the safe upper limits for iodine intake in adults (30ml per day) and in children (5ml per day) and has been linked to clinical thyrotoxicosis and, less commonly, hypothyroidism.

The Food Standards Australia and New Zealand have recalled the BonSoy soy milk product and has advised the general public not to consume the product and to dispose of it either down a drain or in a garbage bin.

Patients (particularly pregnant women) who report they have drunk the milk are advised to see their GP or obstetrician for a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement. As iodine crosses the placenta it may cause foetal and neonatal hypothyroidism which can cause developmental problems in the newborn.


4 Key points for Medical Practitioners

  1. BonSoy soy milk has been withdrawn from the marketplace following detection of high levels of iodine in this product. This product should not be consumed.
  2. A cluster of 7 and possibly 8 adult cases in one practice in NSW have been diagnosed with thyroid conditions believed to be associated with consumption of BonSoy soy milk (as of 24 Dec 2009)
  3. In addition, a newborn has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism secondary to iodine excess following maternal consumption of BonSoy during the pregnancy
  4. Doctors should be alert to seek information about BonSoy soy milk consumption by any persons presenting or who have presented in the past months with thyroid conditions.

Further information and a fact sheet about iodine is available on the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand website:

www.foodstandards.gov.au