Beginning in 2003, shortly after notorious former governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich took office, the Illinois prison system effected a change in the diet fed to their inmates. Hand-in-hand with agricultural giant Archers Daniel Midland – the illinois prison system converted the diet of prisoners to one with grossly high levels of soy – upwards of 100 grams a day (read more about the soy prison case). Earlier this year, a group of sickened inmates filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the serving of soy as a primary protein source in Illinois prisons. Since that time, numerous sickened prisoners have come forward – some have even been subject to retaliation by prison staff for their action.
The prisoners began to see the effects of the diet slowly, at first, but the results of the diet have grown ever more dramatic. First, the inmates suffered from gastrointestinal upset which progressed to extreme distress and eventually to serious health concerns including thyroid disease and other issues. The prison system’s response to the prevalent illness showed a complete disregard for the health of the inmates that were clearly suffering due to the toxic levels of soy protein isolate included in their food. Indeed, excessive consumption of soy isoflavones is linked to wide and varying health problems. The FDA lists well over 200 studies illustrating soy’s toxic effects on health; yet, despite these clear contraindications to a diet so high in soy, the prison system in Illinois continued to provide a diet in which many foods contained 60-70% soy protein isolate.
The Weston A Price Foundation – a not-for-profit organization devoted to the cause of nutrition and wellness – is championing the case of the Illinois prisoners. It is, in effect, the first battle ground as the State of Illinois has plans to institute similar soy-based diets into other public institutions – including public schools. Sally Fallon Morell, founder and current president of the organization, refers to the case as “the Tuskegee of the 21st century.” Indeed, the two cases share some striking similarities – namely the systematic exploitation of a marginalized population by government.
You can view videos from the press conference below:
Photo credits and Videos.
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Ick! I am from IL and left about 5 years ago. This doesn’t surprise me at all. The gov’t for the state of IL is so corrupt it sickens me (and it trickles down to the local govt’s…believe me!) and obviously sickens the inmates, too. Prison is obviously not an ideal place and while the people there may be there for good reason, I see no point in poisoning them. Especially if prison is supposed to be about rehabbing the criminals. Bottom line, it is all about the money. Rod Blagojevich is a perfect example. Things continually went downhill from the time he took office. No worries, though. The gov’t officials and political machine that *IS* Chicago are all taken care of. No matter about the rest of the state’s inhabitants.
FEH! The news outlets around here never talk about this issue. Probably too busy assessing the impact of Oprah closing shop. I learned more about the soy scandal from Nourished Kitchen than anywhere else. Good job, Jenny!
Hey, in June when ex-Gov. B goes on trial, maybe you could do a post on munchies to enjoy while watching the coverage?