questions

Yogurt is a dairy product produced from the fermentation of milk and characterised by the use of specific starter cultures. For yogurt, the usual symbiotic cultures used in manufacture are Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsc Bulgaricus.

The World Health Organisation defines probiotics as: “live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” (WHO 2002).

Foods defined as probiotic have the following features:

• They contain a sufficient number of these ‘good’ bacteria that are still alive and active when consumed.
• These bacteria can survive the strong acids in the stomach.
• The bacteria within them that cause the probiotic effect should be identified and named as being of a specific type and strain.

A prebiotic is a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the GI microbiota that confers benefits upon host wellbeing and health.

Gibson GR, Probert HM, Van Loo J, Rastall RA, Roberfroid MB. Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: updating the concept of prebiotics. Nutrition Research Reviews 2004;17:259-275.

The cultures or probiotics found in Danone products are added after the product has been pasteurised or heat-treated otherwise this process would destroy them. This way the integrity of the live cultures or probiotics in sufficient quantities.

We recommend that all of our dairy products are stored in the refrigerator at below +6°C for no longer than the use by date marked on the product. The quality of the product and the viability of the live microorganisms contained cannot be guaranteed if the product is frozen and eaten after thawing.

As with all additives, sweeteners are thoroughly assessed for safety before they are permitted for use. Additionally, continual investigations are carried out on sweeteners by relevant food authorities and organisations to ensure that their presence in food does not compromise food safety. The use of sweeteners in food is controlled in Great Britain by the Sweeteners in Foods Regulations 1995 (SI 1995 No.3123) as amended.

The sensory profiles of original and sugar free products should be the same. However, some people are more sensitive than others to the taste and mouth feel of sweeteners and they may notice the difference.

All our products which are not suitable for vegetarians are clearly labelled as such. We also recommend vegetarians read the label before consuming the product as some of our products contain cochineal to enhance the colour.

We understand that food allergies or intolerances can seriously affect the health of certain sensitive people.

We take into account both the risks linked to intentional inclusion of allergens and those resulting from the adventitious presence in products, otherwise known as cross contamination. Our products are clearly labelled with the intentional and possible presence of potentially allergenic ingredients through the ingredients list and positive allergen warnings. Consumers with known food allergies or intolerances should read the label of our product before consuming.

Our dairy products contain lactose originating from the milk they are made with.

However, if you are lactose intolerant, you may still be able to eat our dairy, but you should first consult with your doctor or specialist to make sure.

Warning: Our dairy products are not suitable for those people with milk allergies.

Diabetes is a complex disease - depending on the individual's needs the product could be suitable providing the sugar content is factored into the overall diet. We suggest that if you have diabetes that you discuss it further with your health practitioner or dietician.

GDAs (Guideline Daily Amounts) translate nutrition information into consumer friendly figures. GDAs provide on pack guidelines to help put nutrition information into the context of an overall healthy balanced diet, by showing how much of your GDAs a serving of the food provides.

The term ‘BIO’ was previously used and generally well understood in the UK, to indicate the presence of a probiotic within dairy products such as live yogurts.

However, it has since been recognised that there is a possibility of confusion arising from the use of the terms in question, given the fact that organic production in other European countries is described by such terms as "biologic" and "ecologic”.

Changes in legislation (2004) therefore precluded the use of such terms as ‘bio’ and ‘eco’ in the labelling and advertising of conventional foodstuffs which are not produced in accordance with conditions set out for organic products.

In some of our French factories, we produce Activia Muesli which contains nuts. There is always a risk of some cross-contamination.

Both products offer different benefits which target different individuals dependent on your lifestyle.

Our water, Evian and Volvic, is not chemically treated. Nothing is added to Evian or Volvic natural mineral water.

Yes, freezing and boiling natural mineral water does not destroy the natural properties of the water. Our water is also a neutral base so you will find that you don’t suffer from annoying lime-scale build-up in appliances such as your kettle.

For a small bottle, where consumers usually drink directly from the bottle we recommend 24 hours as this protects the integrity of the product which can become affected by bacteria from the environment. For bigger bottles stored in a fridge away from strong odours, the water will remain fresh for up to 3 days once opened.

Legislation mandates that all food and water are given a shelf life with a limit of 2 years.

Our bottles are made out of PET the industry standard plastic which can be recycled. Our bottles are also composed of 25% recycled PET.