Yakult USA Self-affirmed GRAS Press Release

1
Yakults Probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain
Shirota is Self-affirmed as GRAS April 17, 2012
- (Torrance, CA) Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
(President and COO Takashige Negishi, Tokyo)
announces the acquisition of self-affirmed GRAS
(Generally Recognized as Safe) status for its
exclusive probiotic strain, Lactobacillus casei
strain Shirota in the United States.
Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota was isolated
by Dr. Minoru Shirota in 1930. This probiotic
strain is found in Yakults products, such as
Yakult (cultured probiotic drink with dairy),
which are sold in a growing number of U.S.
stores. An independent panel of U.S. experts in
toxicology, nutrition and molecular biology has
rigorously evaluated research studies and
toxicology data on Lactobacillus casei strain
Shirota, and concluded that this strain is safe
for use as a food ingredient. As a result of the
panels analysis, Yakult Honsha obtained
self-affirmed GRAS status for Lactobacillus casei
strain Shirota. This strain has been safely used
in Japan as a food ingredient for over 75 years,
and self-affirmed GRAS status is further
confirmation of its safety. Yakult Honsha will
subsequently notify FDA of this GRAS
status. Yakult U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of
Tokyo-based Yakult Honsha, started selling
Yakult in the U.S. in 1999, and sales have
steadily increased since then. Yakult will
accelerate our activities to penetrate our brand
not only in the U.S., but also all over the
world, by increasing the recognition of the
safety of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota,
commented Michio Shimizu, President and CEO of
Yakult U.S.A. Inc. About Self-affirmed
GRAS Food and food ingredients designated as
self-affirmed GRAS are generally recognized among
qualified experts as having been adequately shown
to be safe under the conditions of
their intended use. FDA initiated the
self-affirmed GRAS notification system in 1997.
2
About Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. Yakult Honsha Co.,
Ltd. retains its commitment to improve human
health worldwide and proactively promotes its
international business. Currently Yakult's
network extends through Asia, Oceania, the
Americas and Europe, and our products are sold
through 28 overseas operations and consumed in 32
countries. Global consumption of Yakults dairy
products is approximately 29 million every day.
Yakult will continue striving to deepen the
understanding of probiotics, and support good
health for all. Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. was
established in 1955 and is regarded as the
worlds pioneer of probiotics. Yakult U.S.A.
Inc., a subsidiary of Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. is
located in Torrance, CA, and supports Yakults
business in the United States and Canada. For
more information, please visit www.yakultusa.com
and www.yakult.co.jp/english.
Contact Hideyuki Shibata, Ph.D. Hideyuki.Shibat
a_at_yakultusa.com [phone]