UK’s COT confirms safety of plant-based drinks’ consumption in young children

The European Plant-based Foods Association (ENSA) welcomes the publication of the “Overarching statement on consumption of plant-based drinks in children aged 6 months to 5 years of age” by the UK’s Committee on toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment (COT). The potential risks of consuming soy, almond and oat drinks by children aged 6 months to 5 years, linked to the presence of certain compounds, were investigated.

The COT concluded that unsweetened calcium-fortified plant-based drinks such as soy, almond, oat drinks can be consumed by children from the age of 1 year, as part of a healthy and balanced diet. ENSA members are fully committed to making plant-based products safe for everyone, including young children. The conclusions of the COT, based on the most up-to-date scientific evidence, send a positive signal to consumers about including plant-based foods in their varied and balanced diets, including children’s diets.