Lesaffre Celebrates Major Advances in the Global Standardization of Baker’s Yeast

Lesaffre congratulates the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and all its member countries on the adoption of the first Codex Alimentarius standard for baker’s yeast, approved at the 49th Session of the CAC in Geneva (6–10 July 2026).

This achievement results from several years of sustained international technical collaboration, with the active involvement of COFALEC – The Confederation of European Yeast Producers of which Lesaffre is an historic and active member – whose efforts ensured the specificities and standards of European yeast production were properly reflected in the final text.

“For centuries, baker’s yeast has been the unseen force behind bread. More than a leavening agent, it shapes flavor, texture, and nutrition, making it indispensable to bakers worldwide. Yet until recently, this vital ingredient lacked a unified global framework. This gap is now being filled by landmark standards thanks to the work of CAC and COFALEC.” declared Jean-Philippe Poulin, Deputy CEO of Lesaffre and Group Chief Operating Officer.

The recent advances in baker’s yeast standardization mark a turning point in its recognition as a strategic global ingredient. Two key milestones stand out: the 2026 Codex Alimentarius Standard and the ISO 23983:2025. The new Codex standard establishes internationally recognized regulatory benchmarks for baker’s yeast, providing a shared reference framework that strengthens consumer protection, facilitates global trade, and promotes fair competition across markets.

ISO 23983:2025 standard was the first to define baker’s yeast globally, covering its physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. Developed under COFALEC it distinguishes yeast as a unique, natural microorganism, setting it apart from synthetic alternatives. The Codex standard now adds a regulatory dimension, reinforcing significantly this framework and facilitating trade. Together, they provide a shared language for the industry, ensuring consistency in quality, safety, and performance across markets.

“ISO 23983:2025 and CAC standard are a landmark for our industry. They reflect years of collaboration to elevate baker’s yeast as a cornerstone of global food culture. When we speak the same language about yeast, we strengthen the foundation of breadmaking—ensuring this ancient ingredient continues to nourish future generations.” said Vincent Saingier, President of Lesaffre Western Europe Breadmaking Region and President of COFALEC.

By adopting ISO and Codex Standards, industry professionals demonstrate their commitment to meeting evolving consumer demands while advancing a more responsible and transparent value chain.

“It matters because bread is a global staple, and its quality depends on reliable yeast. Whether in artisanal bakeries or industrial production, bakers need yeast that delivers consistent rise, flavor, and texture. Standardization ensures, wherever you are in the world, yeast meets the same high expectations empowering bakers and reassuring consumers.” adds Edouard Gestat, Group Baking Marketing Director at Lesaffre.

For more than 170 years, Lesaffre has been mastering and pushing the limits of fermentation. Pioneer and global leader, we generate €3.2 billion in revenue, operate on every continent, and employ 11,700 people from more than 100 different nationalities. We harness the infinite potential of microorganisms to design and produce sustainable solutions that meet our customers’ needs across our 3 business areas: Food / Health / Biotech. Together with our customers and stakeholders, we harness research and innovation to unlock new possibilities – driven by one shared conviction: fermentation enables us to better nourish and protect the planet.