Probiotics

What is a probiotic and what are the benefits?

There is currently no legal definition for probiotics in the UK. However, probiotics are recognised as live microorganisms (mostly bacteria and a few yeasts) typically found in the gut that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can promote a well-functioning digestive system. Probiotics can be found as food supplements, fermented foods (e.g. yogurt), or beverages (e.g. kombucha).

Probiotics can contribute to various aspects of human health and well-being, making them a valuable addition to a balanced lifestyle. For example, probiotics have a well-established evidence base in the prevention and management of gastrointestinal diseases. They have also been shown to tackle some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and constipation [1].

What challenges does the food supplement industry face concerning probiotics?

Terminology

The term “probiotic” is prohibited from being used on the labels of food supplement products in the UK. This restriction stems from its association with health benefits, for which there are currently no authorised nutrition health claims for probiotics in the UK.

Regulatory environment

There is no unified regulatory framework for probiotics at UK or EU level. This lack of a standardised regulatory approach means that definitions, classifications, and declarations related to probiotics can vary significantly between different countries.

Product marketing

The UK food supplement industry faces an uneven playing field as certain companies promote products as “probiotics”.

Market research

Companies that adhere to UK legislation must conduct market research to identify suitable terms that are easily understood and embraced by consumers when incorporating probiotics into a product.

EU permissions

There is a competitive disadvantage with the EU, as certain member states, such as France and Spain, permit the use of the term “probiotics” in food supplements.

Stability testing and efficacy

Companies incorporating probiotics must ensure that the quantity of live microorganisms remaining at the end of the product’s shelf life is substantial to fulfil its intended purpose.

What do we want to change?

90% of consumers are unaware that in the UK it is not permitted to use the term probiotics on foods or food supplements.

Together with the UK Industry Working Group on Probiotics, we are calling for a change in UK guidance to allow the term probiotic as a descriptor for products and ingredients. This change would ensure consumers within the UK are fully equipped with all the information they need when purchasing products, in addition to equipping them to better understand the supplements they are taking.

Additionally, allowing the term “probiotic” in food and food supplements products in the UK would enable companies to be on a level playing field with international markets that have already implemented this change.

What are PAGB and the UK Industry Working Group on Probiotics doing?

Working with the UK Industry Working Group on Probiotics we have:

Produced a briefing explaining the current situation and rationale behind our calls for a change to UK guidance.
Drafted a range of parliamentary questions for MPs.
Written to MPs to raise awareness of this issue and asking them to contact DHSC calling for a change.
Met with civil servants in DHSC.

As PAGB we have:

Raised this subject and the work of the group in meetings with parliamentarians.
Gained insight from our Food Supplement Forum and gaining wider input from members.
We are continuously working to influence the food industry and secure authorisation to use the term “probiotic” as a descriptor for products and ingredients in the UK.

A note on future activity

Our work on probiotics has been postponed until after the pre-election period of sensitivity and will re-commence post-election in July 2024.

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