BLIS Technologies says a US food safety standard has been obtained, for one of its oral probiotics, allowing it to be included in food ingredients in the United States.
The Dunedin biotechnology company says its BLIS K12 probiotic has been able to be sold only as a dietary supplement within the United States - but now can be marketed to all food manufacturers.
Chief executive Barry Richardson says the probiotic is already used in food in New Zealand and Australia, but this standard launches the ingredient into the global market.
He says BLIS Technologies has plans to promote the probiotic to dairy producers in the United States.
Dr Richardson says the company would likely sustain an increased operating deficit in the current financial year, due to the high New Zealand dollar and lower than expected sales.