Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to a combination of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I‐1688 and Lactobacillus salivarius CNCM I‐1794 and reduction of gastro‐intestinal discomfort (ID 2972), decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro‐intestinal microorganisms (ID 2972), improved lactose digestion (ID 2972) and increasing IL‐10 production (ID 2973) (further assessment) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to provide a scientific opinion on health claims pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 in the framework of further assessment related to a combination of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I‐1688 and Lactobacillus salivarius CNCM I‐1794 and reduction of gastro‐intestinal discomfort, decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro‐intestinal microorganisms, improved lactose digestion and increasing IL‐10 production. The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims, a combination of L. paracasei CNCM I‐1688 and L. salivarius CNCM I‐1794, is sufficiently characterised. The evidence provided did not establish that the proposed claimed effect, increasing IL‐10 production, is a beneficial physiological effect. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of a combination of L. paracasei CNCM I‐1688 and L. salivarius CNCM I‐1794 and a beneficial physiological effect related to an increase in IL‐10 production. The claimed effect, reduction of gastro‐intestinal discomfort, is a beneficial physiological effect for the general population. The claimed effect, decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro‐intestinal microorganisms, might be a beneficial physiological effect for the general population. The claimed effect, improved lactose digestion, is a beneficial physiological effect for individuals with lactose maldigestion. No human intervention studies were provided from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the above‐mentioned claims. On the basis of the data provided, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of a combination of L. paracasei CNCM I‐1688 and L. salivarius CNCM I‐1794 and reduction of gastro‐intestinal discomfort, decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro‐intestinal microorganisms and improved lactose digestion.