Yakult is the world's leading probiotic beverage created in Japan in 1935. It is produced by Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd - the world's pioneer in probiotics. Today, Yakult is sold in more than 30 countries and regions around the world. Our company's portfolio includes a range of consumer, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Visit us at http://www.yakultusa.com.

1. Yakult’s Probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota
is Self-affirmed as GRAS
April 17, 2012 - (Torrance, CA) Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. (President and COO; Takashige
Negishi, Tokyo) announces the acquisition of self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as
Safe) status for its exclusive probiotic strain, Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota in the United
States. Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota was isolated by Dr. Minoru Shirota in 1930. This
probiotic strain is found in Yakult’s products, such as Yakult® (cultured probiotic drink with dairy),
which are sold in a growing number of U.S. stores.
An independent panel of U.S. experts in toxicology, nutrition and molecular biology has
rigorously evaluated research studies and toxicology data on Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota,
and concluded that this strain is safe for use as a food ingredient. As a result of the panel’s
analysis, Yakult Honsha obtained self-affirmed GRAS status for Lactobacillus casei strain
Shirota. This strain has been safely used in Japan as a food ingredient for over 75 years, and
self-affirmed GRAS status is further confirmation of its safety. Yakult Honsha will subsequently
notify FDA of this GRAS status.
Yakult U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Yakult Honsha, started selling Yakult® in the
U.S. in 1999, and sales have steadily increased since then. “Yakult will accelerate our activities
to penetrate our brand not only in the U.S., but also all over the world, by increasing the
recognition of the safety of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota,” commented Michio Shimizu,
President and CEO of Yakult U.S.A. Inc.
About Self-affirmed GRAS
Food and food ingredients designated as self-affirmed GRAS are generally recognized among
qualified experts as having been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of their
intended use. FDA initiated the self-affirmed GRAS notification system in 1997.

2. About Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. retains its commitment to improve human health worldwide and
proactively promotes its international business. Currently Yakult's network extends through Asia,
Oceania, the Americas and Europe, and our products are sold through 28 overseas operations
and consumed in 32 countries. Global consumption of Yakult’s dairy products is approximately
29 million every day. Yakult will continue striving to deepen the understanding of probiotics, and
support good health for all. Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. was established in 1955 and is regarded as
the world’s pioneer of probiotics. Yakult U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. is
located in Torrance, CA, and supports Yakult’s business in the United States and Canada. For
more information, please visit www.yakultusa.com and www.yakult.co.jp/english.
Contact:
Hideyuki Shibata, Ph.D.
Hideyuki.Shibata@yakultusa.com
(310) 542-7065