IPA EUROPE MANIFESTO
Probiotics: what's in a name?
IPA Europe brings together a forum of leading producers of probiotic cultures, probiotic foods, supplements, nutritionals and therapeutic products
Press Package
IPA Europe and European Dairy Association (EDA) joint statement on probiotics
For a better regulatory environment for probiotic food and food supplements in Europe
The science behind probiotics
Discover the 4 criteria to qualify microorganisms as “Probiotic” in foods and dietary supplements
IPA Europe's priorities:
better information for consumers,
better rules for the industry,
better quality of life
Event of interest
IPA EUROPE
Call for a responsible use of the term 'probiotic'
READ THE STATEMENT
IPA Europe events
IPA Europe News
Probiotic Value Insights: your future learning hub for probiotic science, health and society
The new platform “Probiotic Value Insights” brings together scientific evidence, socio-economic data and educational resources to explore the role of probiotics across key health areas in Europe: gut health, immune function, women’s health, and mental well-being, among others. From economic sustainability to productivity and quality of life, the data opens ...
Status of Isolated Microbial Strains: Joint Position of PRI and IPA Europe with Technical Clarifications and Legal References.
IPA Europe, representing the European probiotic industry and PRI, the Pharmabiotic Research Institute, have submitted a joint position paper to the European Commission and to the Substances of Human Origin Coordination Board (SCB), clarifying the status of isolated microbial strains and providing technical elements to maintain them outside the scope ...
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): A Practical Overview
Brussels, March 9, 2026 – IPA Europe hosted the high-level webinar “Preparing for PPWR: Are You Ready?”, providing the probiotics sector with practical insights and strategies to navigate upcoming regulatory changes, ensuring stakeholders are fully prepared for the evolving landscape. The event brought in about eighty industry leaders from around ...
Probiotics in Europe: Unlocking Health and Economic Benefits – Press Release
“Clear, accurate information on probiotics empowers consumers, supports responsible production, and fuels innovation—positioning Europe as a leader where science, health, and food culture meet”. This was the key message at the IPA Europe event held in Brussels, on December 2, 2025, titled “Exploring Probiotics in the EU: From Policy Dialogue ...
New EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR 2025/40/EC): What It Means for Probiotics
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40/EC sets out a unified EU framework to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging.It applies to all packaging — from business-to-business (B2B) to business-to-consumer (B2C) — and introduces ambitious goals on recyclability, waste reduction, and material efficiency. The regulation may have specific relevance for probiotic ...
Joint statement : What Do “Fermentation” and “Precision Fermentation” Really Mean? Fermented foods and drinks, including probiotic microorganisms, play an important role in diets.
Fermentation has been part of human innovation for centuries — from making bread, cheese, and beer, to producing probiotics food, for medicines and biofuels. But as science and technology evolve, it’s important to update how we talk about this essential process. That’s why IPA Europe, together with eight other European ...
IPA, the international Pre Pro and Post Biotic association released the 2025 end of year report
In 2025, the International Probiotics Association (IPA) reached an important inflection point in its evolution as the global voice of biotics. The year reflected both the growing complexity of the sector and the increasing expectations placed on IPA to lead through scientific integrity, regulatory alignment, and the development of credible ...
The EU Biotech Act II : A vital Act for biomanufacturing in Europe
IPA Europe adhere to the coalition of 40+ European, national and regional industry organisations, for a far‑sighted 𝗘𝗨 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗜 dedicated to biomanufacturing. Whay this matter: Biomanufacturing initiatives are underway in global regions including the US, India and China. China has set ambitious targets for food and nutrition . ...
IPA Europe and EDA joint position on probiotics
What are probiotic microorganisms?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be formulated into many different types of products, including foods, drugs, and dietary supplements.
Species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are most commonly used as probiotics, but the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus species are also used as probiotics. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including species of Lactobacillus, which have been used for preservation of food by fermentation for thousands of years, can serve a dual function by acting as agents of food fermentation and, in addition, potentially imparting beneficial effects.
However, the term “probiotic” should be reserved for live microorganisms that have been shown in controlled human studies to accomplish their beneficial action. Fermentation of food provides characteristic taste profiles and lowers the pH, which can help in prevention of spoilage microorganisms and potential pathogens.
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