Latest Posts

A series of 10 key questions and answers about probiotic food and food supplements, providing a comprehensive overview of the ongoing discussions and the potential path toward a European market harmonization. It examines how the term ‘probiotic’ is currently used in Europe and worldwide, highlighting the European Commission’s interpretation and the impact of the recent European Ombudsman’s conclusion. Has this conclusion ...

The IPA Europe 2024 Manifesto sets out priorities and recommendations. IPA Europe supports the European probiotic industry’s efforts to enhance competitiveness and ensure product quality, while promoting a consistent, innovation-friendly regulatory environment. Probiotic foods and food supplements, when consumed in adequate amounts, may offer benefits for gut health, digestion, and immunity. However, the term ‘probiotic’ ...

In March 2024, IPA Europe and the European Food and Fermentation Cultures Association (EFFCA) issued the information to their members regarding the European Commission’s revised Novel Food Catalogue, which was originally published on November 16, 2023. We have actively collaborated with DG SANTE to enhance the classification process and to provide clearer guidance for stakeholder ...

At a recent policy breakfast hosted in the European Parliament, IPA Europe and MEPs highlighted the urgent need for a clear and science-based regulatory framework for probiotics. With growing consumer demand and a €10 billion market in Europe, the current lack of harmonization across member states risks stifling innovation and confusing consumers. IPA Europe calls ...

IPA Europe welcomed the Ombudsman’s acknowledgment in December 2023 that further clarifications from the European Commission were needed.   However, following the inquiry into the classification of “probiotics” within the EU, the Ombudsman finally decided to close the case, finding no maladministration by the European Commission. While we respect the Ombudsman’s role, its conclusions fail to ...

In a significant development for the probiotic industry, a formal request for investigation has been submitted to the European Ombudsman, questioning the European Commission’s stance on probiotics. The Association argues that the European Commission has inadequately addressed the concerns raised by the industry and provides sufficient elements to support this request. Read more ...

The joint statement in response to the publication of the Initiative praises it as a positive starting point, while calling for greater ambition and implementation. The initiative recognizes various challenges and barriers, including the need for a level playing field for market entry and demand.  A key step in addressing these issues is streamlining and ...

IPA Europe is advocating for European policymakers to reassess the criteria governing the term ‘probiotic’ for food and food supplements  within the EU. The current regulatory framework dates back to 2007, placing European stakeholders at a competitive disadvantage. Read our statement published in the April edition of ‘The Parliament Magazine’ for further insight. Read more ...

Brussels, 22 February 2024 Cross sectoral industries have come together to champion the European Commission’s forthcoming Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative through a position paper which calls for bold ambition, and five core principles to ensure impactful industrial growth. The ‘EC Initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing: Principles for an impactful Europe’ calls for the recognition of ...