Global regulatory trends on the use of probiotics and prebiotics in foods and food supplements

Title : Global regulatory trends on the use of probiotics and prebiotics in foods and food supplements

Abstract:

The global market for probiotics and prebiotics continues to grow with increasing consumer demand over the years. Consumers have become more health conscious than ever. Consumer demand internationally is expected to increase further helping individuals meet their optimum health goals, from boosting their immunity and digestive health to helping with allergies and weight management. Because of the higher demand among consumers, probiotics and prebiotics have, for some time, been at the top of the regulatory agenda, resulting in more regulation. However, regulatory divergences still persist. In light of all this, companies need to keep current with this evolving regulatory environment to develop successful marketing strategies and identify upcoming business opportunities.

David’s presentation will address global regulatory trends on the use of probiotics and prebiotics in food and food supplements, providing an overview of the regulatory challenges and opportunities on the use of probiotics and prebiotics in food and food supplements in Asia, Europe, Latina America, Middle East and Oceania.

The presentation will guide participants through the harmonised and non-harmonised rules, highlighting the main regulatory areas to be aware of when marketing food and food supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics including:

• Classification and definition of probiotics and prebiotics across the globe.

• Permissible use of probiotics and prebiotics, either through the development of positive lists or case by case authorisations.

• Novel foods and ingredients.

• Labelling requirements specific to probiotics and prebiotics, including marketing and advertising communications.

• The possibility of using nutrition and health claims for probiotics and prebiotics, and the scientific evidence needed to make them.

• Market entry requirements to bring to market products containing probiotics and/or prebiotics.

• Proposals for regulatory harmonisation of probiotics and prebiotics

The presentation will guide participants on how to navigate regulatory complexity to realise commercial opportunities when launching food and food supplement products containing probiotics and prebiotics worldwide.

Biography:

Graduated in Law by the University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain and with a Master’s degree in Comparative Law and European Law (LL.M.) by the University of Maastricht, The Netherlands, David has over 20 years of experience providing strategic and regulatory advice to companies, trade associations and government bodies in the food, nutrition and health arena at national, regional and international level in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Middle East and the United States.

David is an expert in regulatory harmonisation processes in international organisations such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission, in the notification processes of regulations to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and in the development of international policies on health and nutrition, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

David has vast expertise leading regulatory projects consisting of the analysis of regulations applying to foods, beverages and other nutritional products, advising in regulatory harmonisation processes, building up international, regional and national trade associations, and developing, coordinating and implementing strategic plans contributing to the removal of trade barriers and the access of foods and ingredients to markets worldwide.

David organises, participates and speaks in events, conferences and training workshops for industry, academia and government bodies representatives in the foods, beverages and food supplements areas across the globe. David writes articles and publications and gives interviews for media magazines, newsletters and blogs internationally on trending topics on food, beverage and food supplement regulations and market entry.