Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to a combination of Lactobacillus helveticus CNCM I-1722, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CNCM I-3424, Bifidobacterium bifidum CNCM I 3426 and fructo oligosaccharides from sucrose and contribution to immune defence against pathogens (ID 3016, 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 a health claim pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 in the framework of further assessment related to a combination of Lactobacillus helveticus CNCM I-1722, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CNCM I-3424, Bifidobacterium bifidum CNCM I-3426 and fructo-oligosaccharides from sucrose and immune defence against pathogens. The food constituent that is the subject of the health claim, a combination of L. helveticus CNCM I-1722, B. longum subsp. infantis CNCM I-3424, B. bifidum CNCM I-3426 and fructo-oligosaccharides from sucrose, is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect, contribution to immune defence against pathogens, is a beneficial physiological effect. The proposed target population is the general population. No human intervention studies were provided from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claim. 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. helveticus CNCM I-1722, B. longum subsp. infantis CNCM I-3424, B. bifidum CNCM I-3426 and fructo-oligosaccharides from sucrose and contribution to immune defence against pathogens.