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The 3rd meeting of the ACCM discussed the difference between these two substances, which both have therapeutic benefits. Issues arise as to the correct nomenclature and labelling of products for the consumer.

There are issues with manufacturing, such as testing for content, method of killing the live organisms, and ingredients which contain a blend of both live and killed organisms. The WHO definition of probiotics is "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host". This obviously does not apply to killed organisms. The committee discussed stability and shelf life, the expectation of consumers, and the possibility of gamma irradiation not being disclosed. The committee recommended to the TGA that they be recognised as different ingredients. Read recommendations 3.3 and 3.4 in full here

Last Updated on Friday, 20 May 2011 15:36