Ciguatera is a type of food poisoning due to consumption of tropical fish contaminated with marine toxins known as ciguatoxins. It causes digestive, skin, cardiovascular and neurological disorders, which can sometimes persist for several weeks or even months. The itching observed in cases of ciguatera has given this poisoning the French name la gratte. To reinforce prevention, ANSES has drawn up a list of over 60 species of fish posing a risk of ciguatera in the French Caribbean.

Tick-borne encephalitis is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by certain ticks. It is of growing concern in France. Since 2020, cases associated with the consumption of raw-milk products have been reported, whereas this mode of transmission had not previously been observed in mainland France. In parallel with this situation, the geographical range of the virus and the number of cases in Europe – all routes of transmission combined – are increasing. Although infections remain relatively uncommon in France, the health consequences can be serious, potentially leading to long-term sequelae. This led ANSES to investigate the issue in order to review knowledge of the virus and the risks of transmission and consider the risk management measures that could be put into place.

Facilitating access to research data and results is essential for the mobilisation of scientific knowledge. ANSES has recently launched a portal in the HAL open archive for publications relating to the projects funded by the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health (PNR EST). This supplements a series of actions aimed at opening up data from the research projects financed by the Agency.

Since 2024, the number of cases of poisoning involving the consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) products has increased significantly. These products are sold in stores, in vending machines and on the Internet in the form of e-liquid for electronic cigarettes, smokable products, food supplements and foodstuffs (oils, capsules, sweets, chocolate, etc.). Most of these cases of poisoning are caused by prohibited substances (synthetic cannabinoids) contained in these products without the consumer’s knowledge, or by THC levels above 0.3%. The ANSM and ANSES are drawing attention to these risks.