The present invention relates to high pressure processing (HPP) methods of and containers for preparation of food products such as solid or semi-solid foods, beverages and food supplements containing high-pressure sensitive probiotics and other high-pressure sensitive substances, which maintain their viability, biological activity and other beneficial properties in the prepared food product. The present invention also relates to pasteurized food products containing biologically active high-pressure sensitive probiotics, other high-pressure sensitive substances, or their combinations.

The present invention relates to high pressure processing (HPP) methods of and containers for preparation of food products such as solid or semi-solid foods, beverages and food supplements containing high-pressure sensitive probiotics and other high-pressure sensitive substances, which maintain their viability, biological activity and other beneficial properties in the prepared food product. The present invention also relates to pasteurized food products containing biologically active high-pressure sensitive probiotics, other high-pressure sensitive substances, or their combinations.

This specification relates to a method for reducing the amount of lactose in a milk-based substrate containing lactose, wherein said method comprises contacting said substrate with an enzyme having neutral lactase activity at a temperature of more than about 50° C., and wherein said lactase reduces the amount of lactose in said substrate by at least about 70%.

The present invention provides a method of controlling growth of yeasts, in particular robust yeasts, by applying Bacillus substilis. More specifically, the present invention provides uses of Bacillus substilis to inhibit or delay growth of yeast like Yarrowia lipolytica by reducing the free iron concentration in a food product which is preferably a fermented food product. Preferably the Bacillus substilis is applied at a concentration of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.9 CFU/ml, preferably 10.sup.6 to 10.sup.8 CFU/ml, most preferably 10.sup.7 CFU/ml.

The present invention provides a method of controlling growth of yeasts, in particular robust yeasts, by applying Bacillus substilis. More specifically, the present invention provides uses of Bacillus substilis to inhibit or delay growth of yeast like Yarrowia lipolytica by reducing the free iron concentration in a food product which is preferably a fermented food product. Preferably the Bacillus substilis is applied at a concentration of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.9 CFU/ml, preferably 10.sup.6 to 10.sup.8 CFU/ml, most preferably 10.sup.7 CFU/ml.

The present invention features compositions and methods for modulation of the mucosal immune system. The compositions include foods fermented by the probiotic organism, Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 (International Depository Accession Number LMG P-24778). Alternatively the compositions can include L. paracasei CBA L74 and a physiologically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the L. paracasei CBA L74 can be non-replicating. The compositions can be administered to a subject having or at risk for gastrointestinal disorders related to immaturity of the immune system, infection or disease.

The present invention features compositions and methods for modulation of the mucosal immune system. The compositions include foods fermented by the probiotic organism, Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 (International Depository Accession Number LMG P-24778). Alternatively the compositions can include L. paracasei CBA L74 and a physiologically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the L. paracasei CBA L74 can be non-replicating. The compositions can be administered to a subject having or at risk for gastrointestinal disorders related to immaturity of the immune system, infection or disease.

A particular Bifidobacterium spp. strain or particular Lactobacillus spp. strain according to the present invention is isolated from excrement of a human or cabbage kimchi, and thus is highly safe and has physiological activities such as an immunity regulatory effect and an inflammation reaction inhibiting effect. Therefore, the particular Bifidobacterium spp. strain or particular Lactobacillus spp. strain according to the present invention may be used as a material for regulating immunity and inhibiting inflammation reactions, and may be also used as a functional food and drug material useful for preventing, alleviating or treating rhinitis, atopy, asthma, etc. which are allergic diseases.

A particular Bifidobacterium spp. strain or particular Lactobacillus spp. strain according to the present invention is isolated from excrement of a human or cabbage kimchi, and thus is highly safe and has physiological activities such as an immunity regulatory effect and an inflammation reaction inhibiting effect. Therefore, the particular Bifidobacterium spp. strain or particular Lactobacillus spp. strain according to the present invention may be used as a material for regulating immunity and inhibiting inflammation reactions, and may be also used as a functional food and drug material useful for preventing, alleviating or treating rhinitis, atopy, asthma, etc. which are allergic diseases.

The present application relates to a Lactobacillus paracasei or progeny thereof. Specifically, the present application relates to Lactobacillus paracasei 207-27 and a composition, culture, food product or dietary supplement containing the same. The present application also relates to the use of Lactobacillus paracasei 207-27 and the composition, culture, food product or dietary supplement containing the same in medicine.