CEFI (from the French, Comité Européen des Fabricants d’Inuline) consists of Beneo, Cosucra, and Sensus and is a non-profit organization representing the world’s major chicory inulin producers. The association cooperates on regulatory topics related to health, nutrition, and sustainability in the EU and beyond.
The International Probiotics Association, founded in 1999, expanded its scope in 2023 to include prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics, and this has been followed by publications and position statements over the past couple of years. Earlier this year, IPA adopted the ISAPP definition of prebiotics, in a move that the association described as signifying “IPA’s commitment to advancing scientific clarity, regulatory alignment and commercial harmonization across the prebiotic field”.
IPA: “Collaborative scientific and regulatory approaches are essential”
Inulin-type fructans, derived from chicory root, are among the most studied prebiotics in the world, with extensive scientific evidence supporting their role in selectively stimulating beneficial gut microorganisms, improving digestive and immune health, and supporting metabolic and overall well-being. IPA said that the addition of CEFI members to the association “reflects the growing recognition that collaborative scientific and regulatory approaches are essential to advance the global understanding and responsible commercialization of biotics”.
“The addition of Beneo, Cosucra, and Sensus, three of the world’s most respected inulin producers, represents a powerful step forward for IPA and the entire biotics industry,” stated George Paraskevakos, executive director of the IPA, in a press release. “Their leadership in prebiotic inulin science, and commitment to quality aligns seamlessly with IPA’s mission to advance evidence-based innovation, regulatory clarity, and global education in the biotics field. With widespread misinformation around prebiotics, a harmonized approach is essential to build clarity and trust.
“By aligning with the ISAPP prebiotic definition earlier this year, and now integrating CEFI’s members, we strengthen our effort to bring transparency and coherence to a complex sector.”
Beneo, Cosucra, and Sensus played foundational roles in the study and development of inulin and oligofructose, and can leverage decades of scientific and regulatory expertise in the field of scientifically proven plant-based prebiotics via CEFI to support and advance IPA’s mission, said the press release.
“As global awareness of microbiome science advances, the convergence of probiotic and prebiotic expertise within the IPA creates a unified platform that accelerates innovation, regulatory alignment, and education across human and companion animal health,” stated IPA.
Definition
ISAPP’s 2017 expert consensus document in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology defined a prebiotic as: “A substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.”
