The Vanishing Lactobacillus? What the Probiotic Naming Revolution Means for Your Label

If the composition of your products - whether dietary supplements or functional food - lists the name Lactobacillus, it is time for a strategic update. A recent, fundamental scientific reclassification has turned the world of probiotics upside down, and ignoring these changes poses a growing risk to your business.

Why Did Science Change Its Mind?

For years, the genus Lactobacillus was an extremely broad category, grouping over 260 species of bacteria. Modern genomic research proved, however, that many of them are not closely related to one another. As a result, in 2020 scientists divided this single, enormous genus into 25 smaller, more precise groups.

This is why Lactobacillus plantarum is now Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

Important: this is only a name change. The identity, safety and efficacy of the strains themselves remain unchanged.

The Legal Aspect: The Obligation Arises from Existing Rules

There is no new regulation with a hard deadline. The obligation to update labels arises from fundamental principles of EU food law - Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011:

• Art. 7: prohibition on misleading the consumer as to the identity and composition of a product.
• Art. 17 and 18: obligation to use the "specific name" of an ingredient.

The most precise name is the current scientific name, which is already used by, among others, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Enforcement bodies (such as the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, GIS) take a pragmatic approach to the topic, but the scientific standard is already established. Continuing to use an outdated name is a growing legal risk that may result in label challenges during inspections or problems in relations with major retail chains.

How Is the Market Responding?

Industry leaders - including Novonesis (formerly Chr. Hansen), Sanprobi and Danone - have already implemented the new names. The safest approach, which is becoming a market standard, is hybrid labelling:

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum)

Recommendation

To ensure legal compliance, maintain consumer trust and avoid future problems, we recommend implementing the change at the next production cycle or when ordering new packaging.