The FDA is making moves to revoke a claim it made in 1999 that soy protein can protect against heart disease.

The regulator has authorised 12 health claims and, until now, has not revoked one.

In a statement the agency said that while some evidence continues to suggest a relationship between soy protein and a reduced risk of heart disease – including evidence reviewed by the FDA when the claim was authorised – the totality of currently available scientific evidence “calls into question the certainty of this relationship”.

The FDA is allowing a 75-day commenting period for the public and stakeholders to weigh in on the new rule.