APC News
Report on the safety assessment of Probiotics in food supplements published by FSAI in collaboration with APC researcher
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) in collaboration with APC senior researcher Dr Mary O’Connell Motherway has published an important report regarding the safety assessment of probiotics in food supplements. The report, which addresses a significant gap of knowledge in the European Union, provides much-needed guidance for food supplement producers.
Currently, there is no specific guidance within the EU on the criteria that should be used for the safety assessment of probiotics in food supplements. This lack of regulation has led to inconsistencies and uncertainties in how food supplement producers assess the safety of these products. With an increasing number of notifications to the FSAI about food supplements containing probiotics, there was an urgent need for clear, scientifically grounded advice to ensure consumer safety.
The timing of this report is critical. The growing popularity of probiotics has resulted in a surge of new products entering the market. As more consumers turn to food supplements for health benefits, it is essential that these products are both safe and effective. Dr. O’Connell Motherway’s report arrives at a pivotal moment, offering valuable guidance to businesses and regulators alike.
From September 2020 to October 2022, Dr. O’Connell Motherway was based at the FSAI, thanks to a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Public Service Fellowship awarded to her in 2020. During this time, she worked closely with the Biological Safety Team of the Food Science and Standards Functional Area at FSAI, as well as the FSAI Biological Safety Subcommittee, which includes her APC colleague Cormac Gahan, and the FSAI Scientific Committee. This collaborative effort has resulted in a comprehensive report that reflects the expertise and insights of several leading scientists and regulatory experts.
The purpose of this scientific report is to provide robust scientific advice to the FSAI and to assist businesses in assessing the safety of probiotics used in food supplements. In the absence of specific legal criteria within the EU, this document will serve as a critical resource for food supplement producers, helping them to ensure that their products meet high safety standards. While the report itself does not establish a new standard governing food production legislation, it provides the scientific foundation that may influence future regulatory developments in this area.
Read the Full Report
The full report is available on the FSAI website, providing detailed guidance and recommendations for businesses involved in the production of probiotic-containing food supplements.
