The Netherlands
KOAGKAG has provided more clarity on the use of ‘probiotics’ on foods, based on the European legislation.
Under EU Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006, health claims are only permitted if they are scientifically substantiated and approved by the European Commission. The terminology ‘pre-‘ or ‘probiotics’ implies a health benefit and is therefore considered as a health claim. Because this effect has not been approved (except in living yoghurt cultures at lactose digestion), these terms may not be used as a product name or promotional term.
However, ‘probiotics’ can be used to solely indicate a product category. This means that a group of products can be described in a neutral way. KOAGKAG specified the following conditions for correct use:
- Single use of this terminology on the packaging
- Secondary mention: the designation must be clearly subordinate to the product name and any permitted claims
Find more details and examples on the KOAGKAG website: Probiotica als categorieaanduiding – Keuringsraad