Probiotics are alive micro-organisms, generally bacteria but also yeasts than, when ingested alive in suYcient amount, they have a positive
eVect on the health going beyond the nutritional ones commonly known. Probiotics may operate through a nutritional and/or health
or sanitary eVect. Micro-organisms used in animal feed in the EU are mainly bacterial strains of Gram-positive bacteria belonging to the
types Bacillus, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus and strains of yeast belonging to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae species
and kluyveromyces. While most of the species and genera are apparently safe, certain micro-organisms may be problematic, particularly
the enterococci, which may harbour transmissible antibiotic resistance determinants and bacilli, specially those belonging to the
Bacillus cereus group that are known to produce enterotoxins and an emetic toxin. The history and the current legislation in the European
Union on probiotics feed additives including the requirements for the safety assessment for the target animal species, consumers, workers,
and environment are presented.
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