Bonsoy Milk Class Action
The Bonsoy Milk class action will be conducted by Maurice
Blackburn in the Supreme Court of Victoria seeking compensation for
people from around Australia who have suffered an injury from
consuming Bonsoy milk.
The proposed claim
Bonsoy soy milk is distributed throughout Australia by Spiral
Foods Pty Ltd. Prior to December 2009, Bonsoy was sold widely in
most supermarkets as well as health food shops and cafes.
At that time Bonsoy was enriched with a kombu extract which is a
type of seaweed and very rich in iodine. Iodine is necessary for
thyroid function, but is only required in very small amounts.
Excess amounts of iodine can affect the thyroid and cause illness
which may be severe.
The Bonsoy milk recall
In late December 2009, Spiral Products Pty Ltd voluntarily
withdrew Bonsoy from the Australian market when it was discovered
that it contained extremely high levels of iodine which could lead
to serious health problems. The level of iodine in one glass
of Bonsoy was found to be around 7 times the safe upper limit for
adults. Drinking 30mg of Bonsoy a day for adults, or 5mg for a
child, resulted in consumption of unsafe levels of iodine.
The recall occurred after people suffered serious health
problems caused by Bonsoy consumption including hyperthyroidism and
hypothyroidism. These conditions of the thyroid can result in the
following symptoms:
- extreme fatigue
- shortness of breath
- heart palpitations and in severe cases heart attacks
- sudden and severe weight loss or weight gain
- loss of muscle tone and function
- pain in the muscles
- swelling of limbs
- anxiety
- depression and mental disturbance
- hair loss
- menstrual irregularities in women
- miscarriage
- intolerance to cold or heat
- skin rashes and peeling
- eye conditions including permanent eyesight damage
- obviously enlarged thyroid gland
These symptoms may have a gradual or sudden onset and continue
for months or years while excess iodine is consumed.
Who is affected by the class action?
If successful, the Bonsoy class action will benefit people who
suffered thyroid conditions and injury due to the consumption of
Bonsoy milk from at least 2003 up to the end of 2009.
Where can I obtain further information?
Maurice Blackburn is conducting the Bonsoy Class Action on a "no
win - no charge" basis. This means that if you retain Maurice
Blackburn you will not need to pay any legal costs or disbursements
unless we recover compensation for you.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Bonsoy Class
Action or if you wish to consider retaining Maurice Blackburn to
protect your rights, please telephone us on 03 9605 2865 or email
bonsoyca@mauriceblackburn.com.au.