EFSA Approves Generic Lactose Claim

PARMA, ItalyThe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved the generic claim that yogurt cultures containing the micro-organisms Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus Streptococcus promote better lactose digestion.

The Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies issued an opinion that improved lactose digestion has a beneficial physiological effect on individuals with lactose maldigestion.  The panel based its conclusion on 14 human studies, 13 of which showed enhanced lactose digestion in lactose maldigesters when live yogurt starter cultures were ingested in yogurt; one study did not show such effect but noted reduced symptoms and strong evidence for the biological plausibility of the effect.

The panel concluded a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of live yogurt cultures in yogurt and improved lactose digestion in individuals with lactose maldigestion. In order to bear the claim, the yogurt should contain at least 108 CFU per serving live starter microorganisms noted in the claim filing and should target the population of people with lactose maldigestion.