Keywords
Probiotics
Industry health
Functional evaluation
Regulations and standards
Sustainable development
Submitted : 2026-01-25
Accepted : 2026-02-09
Published : 2026-02-24
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), as an important probiotic resource, play an irreplaceable role in maintaining human health, preventing diseases, and promoting the development of the food industry. With the deepening of the global “Big Health” concept and the increasing consumer demand for functional foods, the LAB industry is facing unprecedented opportunities for development, but also numerous challenges such as strain homogenization, an incomplete efficacy evaluation system, and confused market promotion. This paper aims to systematically review the current development status of China’s LAB industry and deeply analyze the key issues existing in areas such as strain resources, scientific research, product innovation, regulations and standards, and market education. By drawing on advanced international experience and considering China’s national conditions, this paper proposes strategic pathways for building a “healthy” and sustainable LAB industry from five dimensions: strengthening basic research and the development of proprietary strains, constructing a scientific and rigorous efficacy and safety evaluation system, promoting product diversification and technological innovation, improving the regulatory and standards environment, and enhancing consumer science education and market guidance. This research aims to provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for the high-quality development of China’s LAB industry.
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