Probiotic drinks do not aid health, watchdog says
Wednesday October 20 2010
Probiotic drinks and yogurts, popular with millions of consumers trying to eat healthily, do not aid people's digestion, a leading European food watchdog has ruled.
Products such as Yakult, which are sold at a premium over standard yogurts, cannot be proved to either boost the immune system or aid digestive health, it has been ruled.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has examined more than 800 health claims from food companies, including those submitted by the multi-billion pound probiotic industry.
EFSA's independent panel of scientists found that the claims that these products could strengthen the body's defences, improve immune function and reduce gut problems were either so general as to be inadmissible, or could not be shown to have the claimed effect.
In a separate ruling, the panel examined a dossier of 12 studies submitted by Yakult for its own strain of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei shirota. It found that all were inadequate to support the company's claim that its products maintained immune defences against the common cold.
EFSA's ruling is being challenged by the industry, but if these appeals fail the companies will no longer be allowed to market the foods as aiding digestion or helping the immune system in future.
Yakult in its most recent television advert states: "Yakult's billions of friendly bacteria help keep your gut healthy and a healthy gut helps make for better digestion and stronger natural defences."
Danone said none of its products were subject to yesterday's ruling as it had withdrawn its claims that Actimel and Activia boosted the immune system and aided digestive health. However, in its most recent advert, fronted by Martine McCutcheon, it said its yogurts were "good for your digestive health".
The company added in a statement: "EFSA has not yet completed its review of all probiotic products and Danone remains fully confident of the science backing its products."
Yakult, in a statement, said it was very disappointed with the ruling. It said: "The company wishes to discuss the evaluation process, scientific criteria and this outcome with EFSA.
"Taking into consideration the outcome of this assessment by EFSA, we will focus all our efforts on the preparation and submission of new health claim dossiers. With the benefit of further guidance, the company anticipates a positive EFSA opinion in due course."
- Harry Wallop
© Telegraph.co.uk
