"The future is bright for Probiotics" - GLOBAL - The European Probiotic Association reports on the success of its International Seminar that took place September 6th, in Roma, as part of the 3rd Probiotics, Prebiotics and New Foods Congress.

"The future is bright for Probiotics, one of the only natural solutions fully authorised by the European Union to guarantee quality and add value to animal production."

The seminar gathered scientists, nutritionists, veterinary, as well as industrials from the animal feed and the food sectors. For the first time, the EPA decided to link its seminar to a human nutrition congress, believing that both communities share many topics and issues, and it was a good opportunity for exchanges and discussions between experts of both human and animal nutrition.

Various aspects of the applications of probiotics to animal production were discussed and presented by international experts. It was largely demonstrated that the efficacy of probiotics was linked to their conditions of use, both at the farm and the feedmill, conditions that are now well-described, and based on scientifically proven modes of action. Most of the experts presenting at the seminar concluded that probiotics were a perfectly safe and natural solution for animal production.

In this context, Bruno Rochet, Chairman of the association, concluded about the importance of the regulatory process in Europe that guarantees the characterisation, safety, efficacy and optimal conditions of use of the probiotic strains on the market, to ensure the producer consistent benefits. He added that: "Probiotics that respect the physiology of the animal correct the effects of rational farming upon the animal microflora. This biological approach is acceptable and accepted by today's consumer. This could lead to a better acceptation of animal products, which in turn, can only increase their consumption, with an expected effect on the prices of the whole animal production industry."

The seminar was also the opportunity for the EPA to award the Jules Tournut Prize. Jules Tournut, to whom we owe the official recognition of probiotics in Europe, was Professor at Toulouse Veterinary School. Mrs Tournut had the honour to award this year's prize together with Prof. Jouglar, Chairman of the IPVS French subsidiary, to Mr Jean-Philippe Marden of the Agronomic School of Toulouse for his innovative work in ruminant nutrition.

The European Probiotic Association is the association of producers and distributors of probiotics that are authorised in Europe. Its objectives are to inform and educate the scientific communities as well as veterinaries, nutritionists and industries about the benefits of probiotics in animal nutrition. For more information, visit: www.epa-probiotic.com.

International experts demonstrated and discussed key topics:

• A. Mordenti: "The probiotic concept: a long story".

• A. Anadòn: "Legislation on probiotics for animal nutrition in the European Union : probiotics in Europe answer strict and rigorous regulations."

• G. Savoini: "Live micro-organisms help the development of the gut physiology".
• F. Enjalbert: " Yeast in ruminants: a mode of action scientifically proven"
• T. Grandsir: " A range of technological solutions to incorporate probiotics in animal feed"
• P. Bosi: " Fundamental research for new perspectives".
• O.P. Singh: "Probiotics, a viable solution in developing countries".
• B. Rochet: "Probiotics, the only feed additive really accepted by consumers".

Source: European Probiotic Association - 19th September 2005