i) the presence of non-labelled and undesirable microbial species; and
ii) proof of the absence of labelled species (dead species).
In the last few years, several media for the selective enumeration
of microorganisms have been proposed to facilitate the assessment of
viability, differential enumeration and survival of probiotic bacteria in
preparations containing several species. However, the currently
available microbial methods based on these “new” media are still
inadequate in assessing the overall quality of probiotic food supplements
in ensuring the protection of consumer health and interests. To
achieve this goal we have combined the classic microbial methods
with molecular ones.
The results of the present survey have highlighted major concerns
with currently available products in Italy. Most probiotic food
supplements analyzed (87%) did not conform to the Italian guidelines
and the differences were both quantitative and qualitative.