In close collaboration with a major Swiss grocer, DuPont Nutrition & Health recently received approval from Switzerland’s Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) to market Danisco HOWARU Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 probiotic as supporting digestion by reducing transit time. It is the first ingredient company to receive a probiotic health claim in Europe.

“DuPont Nutrition & Health applauds the Swiss authorities for approving a structure function claim on scientifically backed Bifidobacterium lactis HN019,” says Fabienne Saadane-Oaks, vice president Health and Protection, DuPont Nutrition & Health. “Despite the regulatory challenges in Europe, DuPont continues to deliver scientifically proven data on the efficacy of our probiotics. This approval validates the strong evidence we have on the link between digestive health and probiotics—support for an important milestone that we hope prompts other countries to follow suit. Digestive comfort is an important benefit for consumers globally, and this approval creates new opportunities for food, beverage and dietary supplement marketers to promote this benefit to consumers.”

DuPont says the approved claim will provide confidence on the benefits of HN019. The company will file dossiers in other European countries, as well.

Probiotics are a fast-growing business for DuPont globally, in food, beverages and dietary supplements. In addition to its HOWARU range, which includes the HOWARU Protect and HOWARU Restore products, DuPont has a wide range of other probiotic strains in its portfolio.