Customer Update: Welcoming the New FSAI Report
Symprove Ireland as the exclusive distributer of Symprove® in Ireland welcomes the recent report by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) on the safety of “probiotics” in food supplements. This comprehensive assessment underscores the importance of stringent safety and quality standards, which are essential for ensuring consumer trust and product efficacy. At Symprove Ireland, we fully support these initiatives and we work in close partnership with Symprove Ltd to maintain the highest standards in the industry.
The FSAI report highlights key criteria for the safety assessment of probiotics, including detailed characterization of microorganisms, absence of antimicrobial resistance, and robust quality control measures. We are committed to adhering to these guidelines to provide our customers with safe and effective probiotic products.
How Symprove® meets the FSAI standards:
- Strain Identification and Characterization
Specific Strains: Symprove® contains four carefully selected probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus NCIMB1 30175
- Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCIMB 30173
- Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NCIMB 30174
- Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 30176
All 4 of the bacteria species used in Symprove® have a long history of safe use in foods. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus are included in the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) list by the EFSA.
The FSAI report highlights the potential for some strains of Enterococcus Faecium to have developed resistance to certain antibiotics. We can confirm that each strain used in Symprove® has been fully characterised using whole genome sequencing and assessed for susceptibility to significant antibiotics. These tests were conducted for Symprove UK by NCIMB.
The National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria (NCIMB) is a globally recognized repository that provides a comprehensive range of microbiological and analytical services. NCIMB maintains one of the largest repositories of microorganisms in Europe and offers services including the preservation, characterization, and identification of bacteria. These services are crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of probiotic strains used in food supplements.
2. Safety and Efficacy
Symprove® strains are supported by a robust body of scientific research and have a long history of safe use in food supplements. Clinical trials, including those conducted at King's College Hospital, London, have demonstrated that:
No Serious Adverse Events: In clinical trials, including those conducted at King's College Hospital and other institutions, no serious adverse events have been recorded for Symprove® or the bacteria it contains. Symprove® has been used by over a quarter of a million people since 2010 without serious adverse events reported, indicating a strong safety profile (Professionals Symprove) .
Efficacy and Tolerance: Independent studies have shown that Symprove®’s bacteria, including Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 30176, are effective and well tolerated)
3. Quality Control
Symprove Ltd adheres to strict quality management systems throughout the production process. The probiotic cultures are stored at -80°C to ensure stability and viability. Only cultures grown from the core stock are used in production to protect against genetic drift and maintain quality.
The product labeling includes detailed information on the type and number of organisms present, as well as appropriate storage advice to maintain product safety and quality throughout the product’s shelf life.
4. Consumer Information and Warnings
Symprove® labels/website provide accurate information and warnings for specific groups. While Symprove is generally safe, immunocompromised individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before using Symprove, or any other live bacteria product.
Our commitment to our customers
As the distributor of Symprove® products here in Ireland, Symprove Ireland is committed to supporting and maintaining the high standards set forth by the FSAI. We are dedicated to the provision of safe, effective, and high-quality food supplements that meet these rigorous standards, ensuring the well-being of Symprove® customers and the integrity of the food industry in Ireland.
