Pro-biotic drinks face ban over health claims

A HOST of popular health drinks in the multi-billion euro pro-biotic market could be banned because they are inadequate, ineffective and cannot prove their medical claims, the EU has ruled.

Experts at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have decided that products such as Yakult must change their advertisements if they are to avoid being barred from stores in Ireland and the rest of Europe.

Health drink products are regularly sold at higher prices than their “ordinary” counterparts due to the supposed benefits they provide, including immune and digestive system support.