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France Becomes Latest EU Member To Allow 'Probiotic' Label For Dietary Supplements

 
• By David Ridley

Thanks to work led by consumer healthcare industry association NèreS, France now allows the term “probiotic” on the label of dietary supplements that meet certain conditions, as well as the related health claim “contributes to the balance of the intestinal flora.” The country joins a growing movement away from the European Commission's restrictions on the use of the term.

Bacteria Bacteroides fragilis, one of the major components of normal microbiome of human intestine, 3D illustration

France has allowed gut-beneficial live organisms in dietary supplements to be sold as “probiotics,” joining a growing movement of countries favoring probiotics liberalization in Europe.

According to a letter sent to stakeholders, including local consumer healthcare industry association NèreS, manufacturers can now use the term “probiotic” on the label of dietary supplements that meet certain conditions, as well as

Probiotic Definitions

France’s General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF): “Microorganismes vivants, qui, lorsqu’ils sont consommés en quantités adéquates, ont un effet bénéfique sur la santé de l’hôte en concourant à l’équilibre de la flore intestinale.”

Translated: “Living microorganisms, which, when consumed in adequate amounts, have a beneficial effect on the health of the host by contributing to the balance of the intestinal flora

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