Public health issues arising from microbiological and labelling quality of foods and supplements containing probiotic microorganisms

Abstract

Objective: To assess the accuracy and helpfulness of labelling on products containing probiotic bacteria. Design and setting: 52 such products -44 from the UK (21 supplements, 15 fermented functional foods, eight 'health-care' products) and eight from continental Europe -have been tested for microbiological content, and results compared to the information available on their labels. Products were stored in the dark at 4ЊC and analysed before their expiry or sell-by date. Careful note was taken of wording on labels, package inserts, packaging, promotional literature and catalogue descriptions, as applicable. Products were cultured on appropriate bacteriological media, and organisms grown were counted and identified. Results: Bioyoghurts gave no indication of numbers, and only five accurately described their bacterial content; results of culture were usually satisfactory. 'Healthcare' products (mostly intended for the bowel) usually indicated the presence of bacteria, but the numerical content was hard to ascertain, and cultural results fell short of label claims. Supplements were sometimes incorrectly labelled in bacteriological terms, and often contained markedly reduced numbers and/or had extraneous strains and/or strains specified on the label were missing. Products from continental Europe (that were sold for specific medical indications) seemed of a higher microbiological standard. The potential pathogen Enterococcus faecium was found in nine products. The most successful of the new functional foods in Britain now contain probiotics, and probiotic preparations are prominent among the expanding range of nutritional supplements presently available to consumers. Conclusions: Our findings have public health implications, and suggest that improvements are needed in labelling and quality assurance procedures for products containing probiotic organisms. The presence of the potential pathogen Enterococcus faecium (intentionally or as a contaminant) in some products calls for a review of the value of this species as a probiotic.

Microbiological quality and safety of dietary supplements sold in Saudi<br>Arabia

“…In our study, out of eighty dietary supplement samples tested, nine products showed the presence of coliform, E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. Hamilton-Miller et al (1999, 2002 reported that out of 30 probiotic suppelmenbts tested, 18 contained species other than those on label indicating poor standard of supplements contrary to the claim. Authors have also reported the presence of potentially pathogenic species such as E. faecium.…”

Species-Specific Identification of Commercial Probiotic Strains

“…A polyphasic approach to speciation of lactic acid bacteria was recommended by Vandamme (1996), whereby results of genomic analysis and phenotypic analysis are combined. Phenotypic methods, including analysis of cell wall composition, carbohydrate fermentation (Canganella et al, 1997;Hamilton-Miller, et al, 1999;Chateau et al, 1994), and protein analysis have been used for this purpose (Klein et al, 1998). In this study, we assessed speciation inaccuracies in a collection of commercial and research probiotic lactoba cilli and bifidobacteria using carbohydrate fermentation, partial 16S rDNA sequencing, and cellular fatty acid methyl ester methods, and determined the taxonomic relationship of these probiotic strains using these methods.…”

Probiotics and its Effects on Human Health-A Review

“…The optimism related with probiotics is, however, counter-balanced by skepticism as many "probiotic" products in the market are untrustworthy in content and unproven clinically (Hughes and Hillier, 1990;Hamilton-Miller et al, 1999;Zhonget al, 1998). Many probiotic strains used for several decades for their safety and efficiency and are therefore, safe to use Adams and Marteau, 1995).…”