Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., a Japanese dairy product leader, received approval from the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) for its Bifidobacterium longum BB536. The approval, effective July 27, 2023, enables the use of the probiotic strain in dietary supplements and conventional foods in Brazil. The strain has now been added to ANVISA’s list of approved products.

Brazil’s Booming Probiotic Market and Morinaga’s Global Strategy

The Brazilian probiotic supplement market is growing at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 9% and is currently valued at around US$200 million, according to data from Euromonitor International. This approval is in line with Morinaga Milk’s global expansion plans, which aim to achieve an overseas sales ratio of at least 15% by the fiscal year ending March 31, 2029.

Scientific Credentials of Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Bifidobacterium longum BB536 is a multi-functional probiotic strain with over 50 years of human use and backed by more than 240 scientific studies. The strain holds Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the U.S. and has been approved as a “New Food Ingredient” in China for use in infant and toddler foods.

“We are thrilled to announce the approval of BB536 by ANVISA for use in supplements and conventional foods in Brazil,” said Dr. Yoshihiko Ushida, General Manager of the International B to B Business Department of Morinaga Milk. “This achievement underscores our commitment to producing high-quality, scientifically validated probiotics that contribute to the well-being of consumers around the world.”

Health Benefits and ANVISA’s Endorsement

The ANVISA approval permits Bifidobacterium longum BB536 to claim that it “may contribute to the health of the gastrointestinal tract,” further solidifying its place in the probiotic market. This approval is particularly significant for Morinaga Milk as the company plans to expand its international partnerships with infant formula manufacturers and dietary supplement sales globally.

Morinaga’s Future in the Brazilian Market

With the Brazilian probiotic market on a growth trajectory, Morinaga Milk sees significant potential following ANVISA’s approval. As Morinaga Milk advances, the approval offers a milestone of opportunities, building on its existing portfolio of scientifically validated probiotic products.

  ANVISA, Brazil, Dr. Yoshihiko Ushida, Morinaga Milk Industry