Industry members of ISAPP are part of a collaborative, innovation-focused community that helps advance probiotic and prebiotic science globally.
What IAC members say:
“ISAPP membership expands and strengthens our scientific and regulatory network on prebiotics, which can help us in future collaborations.”
“ISAPP provides an independent voice for scientific excellence, and publishing scientific [position] papers on particular topics in the field of prebiotics.”
“The annual meeting is very valuable to be informed of the latest developments in science in the field of pro- and prebiotics with excellent speakers.”
“The annual meeting gives excellent opportunities to network with other companies and scientists.”
Membership questions
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF INDUSTRY MEMBERS OF ISAPP?
ISAPP recognizes that representatives of companies conducting business in the fields of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fermented foods and gut health can provide valuable insight into barriers to success and opportunities for development of the field. As an organization committed to the advancement of the science of probiotics and prebiotics, ISAPP benefits from such perspectives. ISAPP’s Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) is composed of representatives of member companies — with any interested individuals at these companies welcome to participate — and serves the purpose of raising awareness of the ISAPP Board of Directors on issues of importance to the field.
The IAC exists in an advisory capacity only and does not hold voting power or authority over the decisions of the Board of Directors of ISAPP. ISAPP’s IAC representatives attending the annual meeting choose one IAC member to liaise with the ISAPP Board of Directors to provide industry perspective on issues relevant to the science. This IAC representative is invited to attend most board meetings (whether in person or by conference call) and chairs the IAC proceedings at the ISAPP annual meeting.
WHY DO COMPANIES JOIN ISAPP?
IAC members value their membership in ISAPP for many reasons:
- IAC members become part of a collaborative group of industry and academic scientists with a common mission to advance the science of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and fermented foods.
- IAC members can attend the ISAPP annual meeting, which is typically by-invitation-only. Each company can send up to two representatives to this vibrant annual event, which focuses on innovations in the science of probiotics, prebiotics, fermented foods, human and animal health, and microbiomes. The meeting combines plenary lectures; small, topical, discussion-based workshops; short, late breaking news talks; student presentations and posters; and ample opportunity to network with the top experts in the field.
- IAC members can connect with ISAPP’s network of students and fellows to build relationships with some of the rising stars in related scientific fields.
WHAT DO THE IAC DUES SUPPORT?
IAC dues provide support for the full breadth of ISAPP initiatives. ISAPP is a credible, science-based voice for advancing the science of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics and fermented foods, and its accomplishments are in part made possible through funding by its IAC members. Those companies that value science and the advancement of education in this field can ensure these activities continue through their annual dues. Yearly summaries of ISAPP activities are found here.
HOW CAN A COMPANY JOIN THE ISAPP INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE?
Companies involved in making or researching probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics or fermented foods (or products containing them) may be candidates for IAC membership. Additionally, companies involved more peripherally with the industry will be considered.
The ISAPP board of directors may evaluate the suitability of a company for IAC membership. Companies are welcomed for inclusion in the IAC if they demonstrate:
- A science-based approach to probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic, postbiotic and fermented foods product development
- A commitment to and funding of related research
- A commitment to responsible product formulation and communications
- A commitment to the mission of ISAPP and a willingness to work to toward that mission in a collaborative manner with the ISAPP Board of Directors and other IAC members
- Willingness to pay established IAC membership fees
- Willingness to comply with ISAPP Antitrust Compliance Policy (also see below)
Furthermore:
- IAC membership may be limited to assure a working group size conducive to accomplishing established goals
- Company representatives participating in the IAC are typically scientists
- The final decision on whether to include a company in the IAC shall be made by the ISAPP Board of Directors to best meet the needs and maximize the credibility of the IAC
- Membership in the IAC may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time for any reason, by a majority vote of the Board
ISAPP ANTITRUST COMPLIANCE POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) and its Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) members to comply with laws and regulations applicable to their activities.
Among other things, ISAPP Board of Directors, the IAC, and other participants in ISAPP activities are subject to antitrust laws that prohibit fixing prices, allocating geographic markets, unfair or deceptive practices, setting profit levels; boycotts, and most other anticompetitive actions. ISAPP will neither permit nor condone anti-competitive behavior, whether willful or inadvertent, in connection with any ISAPP activity.
Additionally, discussion among two or more providers that suggests intentional or unintentional fraudulent activity is illegal. For example, discussion of methods to enhance reimbursement by providing services that are not necessary may amount to a crime (conspiracy to commit fraud).
Conduct that constitutes a violation of antitrust laws is frequently unclear. There is no list of what does and does not constitute anticompetitive practice, and some practices can be anticompetitive even when they are well intended. For this reason, conversations that MIGHT violate applicable laws and regulations should be avoided at or in connection with ISAPP meetings or activities, as well as in private settings. Persons engaging in possible violations of ISAPP policy during meetings or activities will be required to cease such activities, and if necessary, are subject to ejection by the presiding officer of the meeting.
It is the duty of all participants in ISAPP activities to actively adhere to antitrust laws and to this Antitrust Compliance Policy.
Questions concerning antitrust or other laws or regulations connected to ISAPP activities should be referred immediately to the ISAPP Executive Director (marla@nullisappscience.org) or President.
ISAPP LOGO USE POLICY
ISAPP recognizes that current industry members may want to use the ISAPP logo. The Logo Use Policy guides appropriate and allowable use. Industry members must consult and adhere to the policy when using the ISAPP logo on any publications or media. Questions concerning logo use can be discussed with the ISAPP Executive Director (marla@nullisappscience.org) or President.
ISAPP thanks IAC Companies
ISAPP would like to thank the Industry Advisory Committee companies for their generous financial contributions to the support of the association’s activities. The scientific contributions of the representatives from these companies are invaluable, especially for providing insight into how ISAPP might achieve its aim of advancing the science in the fields of probiotics and prebiotics. The organization extends its gratitude to the 2024 Industry Advisory Committee members, listed below.
2025 Industry Advisory Committee Members
- AB-BIOTICS SA
- Abbott Nutrition
- Amway
- Beneo
- Biocodex
- BioGaia AB
- BioZyme Inc.
- Cargill
- Clasado Ltd.
- Comet Bio
- Danone North America
- Danone Nutricia Research B.V.
- Danone Research EDP
- Dsm-Firmenich
- Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc.
- Fonterra
- FrieslandCampina C.V.
- General Mills Yoplait France
- Haleon
- i-Health Inc.
- IFF (Danisco)
- Ingredion Incorporated
- Kerry
- Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
- Kyowa Hakko
- Lallemand Health Solutions
- Lesaffre International
- Life-space Group Pty Ltd
- Mars, Incorporated
- Mead Johnson & Company, LLC
- Metagenics
- Mondelez
- Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
- National Dairy Council
- Nestlé Research Product Technology & Development
- Novonesis
- Opella (Sanofi)
- PepsiCo
- Pharmavite LLC
- Probi
- Procter & Gamble
- ADM Protexin
- Puratos
- Roquette
- Sensus BV
- Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd.
- Symrise
- Synbiotic Health, Inc
- Verb Biotics LLC
- Shenzhen Wedge Microbiology Research Co.Ltd
- Winclove Probiotics B.V.
- Yakult Honsha Co.
IAC Representatives
The 2024-2025 Industry Advisory Committee senior representative to the ISAPP Board of Directors is Dr Shalome Bassett (Shalome.Bassett@nullfonterra.com). The junior representative to the ISAPP Board of Directors is Jessica Van Harsselaar (Jessica.vanHarsselaar@nullbeneo.com)
Dr. Jessica Van Harsselaar PhD, Beneo
I am excited to introduce myself as the newly elected Junior IAC representative at ISAPP. Since 2017, I have been working as a Manager of Nutrition Science at the BENEO Institute. In this role, I am responsible for overseeing global scientific research on the nutritional and health benefits of BENEO’s prebiotic chicory root fibers. I am a nutrition scientist, specializing in prebiotic research and the human gut microbiota.
My passion for studying the human gut microbiome and its impact on health was ignited during my studies in Nutrition Sciences at the University of Giessen, where I earned my Master’s degree. I furthered my education at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, obtaining a PhD. I am actively involved in international collaborative research projects with academic and industry partners, including contributions at the International Life Science Institute (ILSI).
Dr. Leila Shinn PhD, RDN, FAND, PepsiCo
Leila first joined PepsiCo, Inc.’s Life Science team (Chicago, IL) during her PhD as an Nutrition Sciences Intern in 2020 and then as a Global R&D Intern in 2021 before starting as a full-time Senior Scientist in 2022, just three days after defending her PhD, which focused on focused on using machine learning to create a biomarker panel of gut microbes, genes, and metabolites to support personalized nutrition recommendations. Leila’s main responsibility is leading scientific substantiation for claims related to gut health and biotics, reviewing clinical evidence to ensure it is up to PepsiCo’s high standards, which use ISAPP guidelines as a basis. If the business demand for an ingredient is substantial, but there is a lack of scientific evidence surrounding it, Leila collaborates with external partners to design and execute randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. She also plays an integral role in educating cross-functional colleagues on the gut microbiome and nuances of pre-, pro-, and post-biotics. In February, Leila was promoted to Associate Principal Scientist and is now working towards developing a strategic plan embodying the gut health space.
