Global Overview of Approved Probiotic Strains in Food and Health Supplements

Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have gained significant global attention in recent years. As consumer awareness of gut health and the microbiome grows, the probiotic market in food and health supplements has expanded rapidly across different regions. However, the regulatory landscape for probiotics varies considerably worldwide. Different countries and regions have established their own frameworks for approving and authorizing probiotic strains for use in food products and dietary supplements. Some jurisdictions maintain official lists of approved strains with documented safety and efficacy profiles, while others apply broader food safety regulations without strain-specific approvals.

This report offers a comprehensive overview of probiotic strain regulations across 18 countries and regions, examining the official definitions, competent authorities, and permitted strains. This is organized by geographical area, beginning with Chinese Mainland, China’s Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, followed by South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the EU, and Canada. The report details the specific strains permitted for use in food and health supplements and describes the regulatory approach in places where a positive list is not available. Additionally, this report provides brief iinsights into the application process for new probiotic strains and labeling requirements.

Below is a glance of the report:

Taking China as an example, it introduces the supervision mechanism of probiotic strains in food and health supplements, as well as includes the positive lists in related food products.

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