CFIA Voices Concern Over Probiotics Health Claims

VANCOUVER, British Columbia—Internal government documents reveal Canadian food inspectors continue to voice concern over dairy products touting the benefits of probiotics even though no action is planned because Health Canada has not stated a policy on the issue, according to an article in the Vancouver Providence.

After a flood of complaints from competitors and consumers about probiotic product claims on labels and in advertisements, a top Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) official told inspectors to stand down on any enforcement in August 2007, pending a new Health Canada policy.

In the meantime, inquiring companies are "requested" not to use the term "probiotic and related claims" on labels or in advertising. Instead, the agency told its inspectors to encourage companies to make submissions to Health Canada's food directorate to get approval to make health claims.

Health Canada documents show that the department considers the use of the term "probiotic" an implied health benefit, and should only be used if supported by "acceptable scientific evidence" and approved by Health Canada.

A draft of Health Canada's 2007 probiotics policy states that "currently there is insufficient evidence that a strain of probiotic bacteria, or a mixture of bacteria, confer improvements in immune function in humans." CFIA inspectors continue to voice their concerns about health claims for probiotics.