AESAN has published an information note containing an update on the use of probiotics in food supplements, which affects their labelling
Probiotics- The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) published, out of the blue, on 27 October, a information note in which an update is announced regarding the use of probiotics in food supplements.
From now on in Spain – and until a consensus is reached at European level – there will be to permit the use of the term ‘probiotic’ on the labelling and in the advertising of food supplements which contain them, without this being regarded as a health claim, as has already been the case in several European countries.
Here at GTF, we believe this is good news for the food supplements sector, which has long been campaigning for a change regarding the use of the term ‘probiotic’ on product labels.
What does the AESAN guidance say about the use of probiotics in food supplements?
The AESAN information note, which can be check online On its website, it consists of three A4 pages in PDF format and is organised into the following sections:
- What are probiotics?
- What is the microbiota?
- Are probiotics authorised for use in food?
- What information can be included on food labelling?
The note therefore provides information on the changes to the labelling of food supplements that contain probiotics amongst their active ingredients. The final point in particular explains the changes that have been made, as well as providing some examples of the claims that may be made on the label:
We would like to point out that, in addition to this information, which provides updates on changes to labelling, the note also contains other points of interest. These range from the definition of probiotics and the microbiota to a list of ingredients containing probiotics.
For this reason, we strongly recommend that all technical managers responsible for food supplements containing probiotics consult this new publication from AESAN. We also urge them to use the information contained therein to update the labelling of their products, adding the new permitted claims.
And please don’t hesitate to contact us, for further information on the labelling of food supplements containing probiotics.