Thread by @eaHealthEU

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We see a fragmentation on how the probiotics are used in Member States, and it serves neither the business nor the consumers to have unclear information about what it is actually in their products, says @HeidemannLasse of @DanskErhverv, kicking off the discussion.

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We are trying to have a broader debate on how these words (probiotics) can be used so we get a harmonized system in place, that doesn’t hurt businesses and, at the same time, enlightens the consumer in the way it is supposed to, he continues.

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Probiotics can have a very beneficial effect when consumed. According to some recent research, they can also have a positive effect on mental health, says Danai Spentzou, Assistant to MEP @Kympouropoulos, member of @EPPGroup

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It is a very important time that we are discussing this, with all the developments in EU legislation, health seems to be in the center of it, she adds.

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We established a probiotics task force & developed a document together with experts from academia & industry, where they bundled the objective scientific information and presented it in such a way that is accessible to non-experts, says @NaomiVenlet of @ILSI_Europe

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In an era where we are confronted with so many types of information, the booklet aims to inform a wide audience on the probiotic concepts and related health benefits. We believe it will improve scientific credibility in the pre and pro biotic fields, she continues.

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IPA Europe is active in the discussion on probiotic standards, to define the use of the term probiotic and promote responsible production and marketing of these products and we also work together with other organizations, says Esben Laulund, Chair of @ipaeurope

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In 2018 we developed some conditions for the use of the term probiotic micro-organisms to ensure the quality of the products on the market and also to enlighten and inform the consumers, he adds.

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Don't forget to ask your questions by scanning the QR code or using #probiotics on slido.com

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“What advice would you give to the European Commission in terms of regulating probiotics, what should be in their framework?” asks moderator @zaidi_mariam

Start a debate about how probiotics are used and create a harmonized way forward. It would be better for the consumers, it would create a level playing field for businesses, the safety and trustworthiness of the information would also improve, answers @HeidemannLasse

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It would be beneficial to see best practices used in member states and what could be most applicable to majority of consumers and suggest guidelines before moving to a regulation, says Danai Spentzou

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Take into account the vast majority of scientific evidence. It’s important to look at the type of probiotics, because not each type has the same benefits, answers @NaomiVenlet

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The Commission's position is 16 years old, they have to revise it, especially when the term probiotics is in the public domain & consumers recognize it. We need to come up with reliable uniform definitions, because that’s what the consumers want, says Esben Laulund

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And that’s a wrap! Thanks for joining the debate and following the conversation.

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