New probiotic approvals: China added three probiotic strains into new food raw material list
China has approved three new probiotics strains and the plant oriental penthorum as novel food ingredients.
The three approved probiotic strains are lactobacillus helveticus R0052, bifidobacterium infantis R0033, and bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 from Lallemand Health Solutions. The strains are isolated from dairy products, infant gut, and adult gut respectively.
All of the strains have been approved for use in infant foods, said a statement from the National Health Commission (NHC). Since they are only approved for use in foods and not health foods, they are not allowed to make health claims.
Besides passing safety tests in China, the strains have also gained the Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status in the US.
