Suit by Illinois Inmates Claims Harm from Soy-Laden Diet

A lawsuit by nine Illinois inmates claims their prison diet contains so many soy-based foods that it is endangering their health.

The inmates say the soy diet is especially harmful to those with allergies, sensitivities and gastrointestinal and thyroid problems, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Weston A. Price Foundation, which promotes traditional and unprocessed foods, is bankrolling the lawsuit. It claims inmates are eating up to 100 grams of soy a day, far above government recommendations of 25 grams.

Most studies agree that high soy consumption, especially unfermented soy, can cause problems with thyroid function and digestion, the story says. The foundation held a panel discussion on the soy issue last month.

During the discussion, one former prisoner spoke about his problems with soy, the Tribune reports. "Gas was really an issue," said Thomas Salonis. "And most of my [cellmates] were real big, and they were like, 'Hey man you gotta take that somewhere else.' But I was like, 'Where am I gonna take it?' The whole thing was just offensive."

The Illinois Department of Corrections has filed a motion to dismiss the suit.

Hat tip to Pat’s Papers.