A panel of experts from the European Union (EU) has officially rejected Yakult’s health claim regarding its upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) benefits stemming from the consumption of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. The panel is made up of a group of scientists from the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), responsible for drawing up a list of permitted health claims.
According to a report released by the EFSA, updated on 16 June 2011 (www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1860.htm), “The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota and maintenance of the upper respiratory tract defence against pathogens by maintaining immune defences.”
In 2006, a new EU law was imposed on all foods in which all health beneficiary marketing claims are verified. EFSA is the body responsible in reviewing all health claims
A representative from Yakult have stated that the health benefits findings for Lactobacillus casei Shirota, a well characterised probiotic strain unique to Yakult, is based on over 70 human studies and over 70 years of research.
Yakult is undaunted by the EU’s statement stating their report has no bearing on their claims citing support studies from “ well designed double blind placebo controlled human studies.” and will continue to submit evidence based on continuing studies. They are confident of a positive result by the EU.
