At the 2011 IPC Congress, Dr. McCartney was invited to give a presentation entitled "Approval of probiotics in the EU - strategic choices, regulatory processes and key hurdles." During this presentation, she spoke about the legal status of probiotics, the FBOs (Food Business Operators), safety in the food chain, regulatory requirements including the strategy to follow from the audit of the product. She also clarified when a probiotic is considered to be a Novel Food and the law applicable. Finally she explained the legislation governing Nutrition and Health Claims and the role of EFSA and the Commission.