Commercial and regulatory frameworks for postbiotics: an industry-oriented scientific perspective for non-viable microbial ingredients conferring beneficial physiological effects

The current postbiotic commercial landscape is fragmented and lacks standardization. Postbiotics, defined here as non-viable microbial ingredients that confer beneficial physiological effects when administered through food and dietary supplements, require clearer categorization and nomenclature within both commercial and regulatory frameworks. This manuscript presents a comprehensive effort led by the International Probiotic Association (IPA), which organized structured meetings and informal discussions with members, regulatory agencies, and global stakeholders. The goal was to analyze technical and manufacturing processes, safety considerations, and regulatory implications in order to propose a unified framework for standardizing bioactive ingredients. A decision tree is introduced to classify postbiotics into four distinct subcategories, effectively translating decades of divergent academic research into practical, technical, and commercial terms. This approach refines a roadmap that balances scientific rigor with commercial relevance. The manuscript emphasizes the urgent need for clear guidelines and standards to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of ingredients. By drawing on established scientific knowledge from the probiotic field and identifying key technical gaps, it advocates for harmonized criteria and nomenclature. This harmonization is crucial to improve communication among stakeholders and support consistent product development. As interest in postbiotics expands across industries, establishing a robust commercial and regulatory framework is essential to foster innovation, guide scientific discourse, and protect consumers in this emerging category. • Postbiotics as non-viable microbial agents with beneficial physiological effects. • We propose four subtypes based on cell integrity and fermentation derivatives. • A decision tree supports classification and regulation of postbiotics. • We stress the need for quality, safety, and labeling standards. • Harmonized terms can reduce market and regulatory confusion.