Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to Lactobacillus casei DG CNCM I‐1572 and decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro intestinal microorganisms (ID 2949, 3061, further assessment) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to provide a scientific opinion on a list of health claims pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 in the framework of further assessment related to Lactobacillus casei DG CNCM I‐1572 and decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro‐intestinal microorganisms. The food constituent that is the subject of the health claim, Lactobacillus casei DG CNCM I‐1572, is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect, decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro‐intestinal microorganisms, might be a beneficial physiological effect. The proposed target population is the general population. No human studies were provided from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claim. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of Lactobacillus casei DG CNCM I‐1572 and decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro‐intestinal microorganisms.