Soy allergy is relatively uncommon compared with peanut, egg or milk allergy. Allergy to soy is most commonly seen in young children with atopic dermatitis. Around 2-3percent of young children may have positive allergy tests to soy, however less than 10percent of these will develop symptoms when exposed to soy.

Children with soy allergy may grow out of the allergy, however sensitisation to soy tends to increase rather than diminish with age.

A downloadable allergen card for those with soy allergy has been developed to help make shopping a little easier.

Quick tips

• Fish sauce can sometimes be used as a substitute for soy sauce.
• The most common commercial lecithin (food additive 322) in Australia is obtained from soybeans. If soy is used, then the word soy should appear next to the word lecithin.
• Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies and/or soy.

Fact sheets on soy allergy are available from the Children’s Hospital at Westmead website and ASCIA website