IFF (NYSE: IFF) announced that Food Standards Australia New Zealand has approved a heart health claim for isolated soy protein, marking the first such regulatory approval in the region. The approval allows food and beverage manufacturers to market products containing soy protein as supporting healthy blood cholesterol levels.

Under the new permission, foods formulated to help consumers achieve a daily intake of 20-25 grams of isolated soy protein as part of a balanced diet may carry the heart health claim. The approval is supported by multi-year research collaboration involving IFF, the Soy Nutrition Institute Global, the U.S. Soybean Export Council, and researchers from Australia and the University of Toronto.

"The clinical evidence supports a causal relationship between isolated soy protein consumption and improved blood lipids," said Dr. Alan Barclay, lead author of the FSANZ submission. "With dyslipidemia affecting around 60 percent of Australian adults and many New Zealanders, daily consumption of soy protein offers a practical food-based nutrition strategy to help manage cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk."

Isolated soy protein is a 90% plant-based protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It is commonly used in beverages, dairy alternatives, nutrition bars, snacks and plant-based foods. Australia and New Zealand join 11 other countries, including the United States, Canada and Japan, that recognize the connection between soy protein consumption and heart health.

IFF stated it is working with food and beverage manufacturers across the region to develop products using its SOLAE SUPRO soy protein portfolio. The company described the approval as opening opportunities for brands to develop products positioned to support heart health.