Survey of probiotic preparations and labeling practices in Indian market

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 320 chemists shop in Pune city for their availability and labeling practices. The questionnaire revealed the data about the most sold probiotic preparations, their mode of sale, and their available forms such as tablet, capsule, and sachet. Top ten probiotic preparations were evaluated for labeling practice as per the existing regulations of the Indian Council of Medical Research-Department of Biotechnology, Indian guidelines. Majority of probiotic preparations were listing the best before date, viability, probiotic organisms, net quantity, and batch number, but none of them mentioned the health claims.

Keywords: Available forms; mode of sale; most sold; questionnaire; survey.