Consideration of regulations of baby foods containing soybeans in Venezuela

Abstract

Quality standards for industrially processed food products are being prepared by a joint committee composed of the private sector, government and universities. These standards include specific dispositions which, if necessary, allow utilization of different ingredients-soya protein derivatives among them- to improve the quality and quantity of the protein or to balance the amino acid profile. Despite these efforts, in Venezuela, there are no clear-cut regulations about the utilization of soybean proteins either as a supplement or as an ingredient in the manufacture of food products for human consumption and, as such, its use is limited to a few items. Several reasons can be cited to explain this low use: (a) the incipient/scarce domestic production of soybeans; (b) the high cost of imported protein derivatives (only soya flour is fabricated in the country from imported beans); (c) lack of interest (apathy) and absence of proper knowledge or insufficient advice of the private industry; (d) lack of proper incentives from the government; and (e) unnecessary complications or delays in the registration procedures of the new products. Baby foods containing soya proteins in Venezuela can be grouped into the following categories- 1: cereal-based products elaborated by the private sector; 2: different food items distributed by the Intituto Nacional de Nutrición; 3: milk substitutes; 4: high-protein preparations used in special diets; 5: soya protein-enriched commercial flours. A general review of the composition, protein in gredients, presentation and availability of the different items within the five groups is presented and discussed. Emphasis is on the standards which regulate the commercial products in group 1. Comments are made about Venezuelan food habits and possible acceptance by consumers. Foods covered in group 2 include different types of biscuits, a Venezuelan bread (arepa) made with degerminated corn fortified with soya flour, and a ready-to-drink beverage. Group 3 covers a specific segment of the market and presently faces unavailability. Products under groups 4 and 5 could be used as a potential high-protein food for young children, although high costs of group 4 products present serious obstacles. Special reference is made to the soybean derivatives used in these products.