Assessment of Benefits and Risks of Probiotics in Processed Cereal-based Baby Foods Lactobacillus Paracasei ssp. Paracasei F19

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) has appointed an ad hoc-group of experts to answer a request from the Authority regarding benefit and risk assessment Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. F19 (F19) in processed cerealbased baby foods intended small children 1-3 years. This is based on literature provided by notifier as well that found MEDLINE search. 
 A notification two products cereal-based (hereafter called cereals), supplemented with bacterium initiated this work.
 daily supply monoculture particular bacterial strain large quantities age group without fully established intestinal flora, may have unknown adverse effects. There are however, our knowledge, no studies investigating possible short or long term health effects food given 13 months onwards.
 documentation information genetic stability during processing storage, considered insufficient does not allow any conclusions be drawn. Moreover, obtained conclusive antibiotic resistance pattern used question, different antibiotics partly inconsistent. about specific localization (chromosomal, plasmid) genes sufficient. Studies demonstrate F19, other strains probiotic, able “crosstalk” enterocytes mice result depends upon microbiota present. Whether similar “crosstalk-profile” humans unknown. However, originally human origin, it seems reasonable assume such occur. Thus, before giving years, ask additional molecular physiological unravel functional impact changes expression children. infections do occasionally occur, mainly bacteremia, endocarditis localized (e.g. abscesses, peritonitis, meningitis) patients severe underlying diseases. Most them elderly, but excluded. species most often isolated L. casei rhamnosus, followed paracasei. increasing use immunosuppressive therapy broad spectrum which ineffective against Lactobacillus, might increase importance these bacteria pathogens. In order draw beneficial there need randomized placebo-controlled larger populations relevant group. According EFSA, sufficiently characterized. is, sufficient claim positive thus proven probiotic. published dose-response children, neither survival gastrointestinal tract, nor negative Thus potential e.g. spreading antimicrobial unfavourable related frequency and/or dose cannot assessed.