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Cosmétiques

Cosmetics: how can we better protect consumer health?

Published on 14/02/2025

The composition of cosmetic products means that we can routinely be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals. What are their possible effects on health? Why is it important to report adverse effects? Since early 2024, ANSES has been responsible for vigilance and expert appraisals relating to cosmetics and tattoo products. Our experts on the subject tell you everything you need to know about cosmetics and protecting health.

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Authorisation, withdrawal and amendment of plant protection products: an ANSES mission since 1 July 2015

Updated on 26/04/2023

In compliance with the criteria defined by the European regulations, ANSES has been in charge of the appraisal of plant protection products, fertilisers and growing media, and adjuvants since 2006. Based on our scientific assessment of the risks and efficacy of these products, the Ministry of Agriculture issues marketing authorisations (MAs). Since 1 July 2015, in application of the French law on the future of agriculture, food and forestry of 13 October 2014, ANSES is in charge of issuing, withdrawing and amending MAs and permits for plant protection products, fertilisers and growing media, and adjuvants.

Phytosterols Foods fortified with phytosterols and prevention of cardiovascular disease

Updated on 26/04/2023

Phytosterols are natural compounds found in plants that can lower blood cholesterol levels by competing with cholesterol absorption in the gut. EU regulations authorise claims on the labels of products fortified with phytosterols indicating that they lower blood cholesterol and that lowering blood cholesterol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A consumer association asked ANSES to assess the risks and benefits of consuming this type of food product. In its expert assessment, ANSES emphasises that while phytosterols do indeed contribute to a reduction in blood cholesterol, none of the currently available data demonstrate that they have any beneficial effect with regard to prevention of cardiovascular disease, nor can they lead to consider that phytosterol-fortified foods might be an appropriate method for preventing this condition at the population level.

Head lice treatments

Updated on 16/06/2022

Antiparasitics, insecticides and anti-mite treatments intended for pets should never be used on humans, especially children. Veterinary medicinal products obtain marketing authorisation (MA) prior to marketing based on a risks vs benefits assessment for the animal they are to be used on. If the risks for humans have been identified and evaluated, it is only with regard to the risks for individuals who handle or administer the products.

Flamme Assessment of the risks related to the presence of flame retardants in upholstered furniture

Updated on 05/05/2022

Each year, household fires lead to a large number of deaths and injuries, as well as damage to property. The use of flame retardants (FRs) in domestic upholstered furniture to effectively reduce the risk of household fires has been the subject of debate and controversy for several years. The discussions focus on the one hand on their potential effectiveness against the risk of fire and on the other hand on the potential risks to health and the environment related to exposure to these chemicals. In this framework, the Agency decided to launch a comprehensive expert assessment to establish the current state of knowledge on these various topics. The Agency instructed its Working Group on Human and social sciences to study the effectiveness of the use of FRs in upholstered furniture as regards reducing the fire risk in homes. The WG produced a report on the current situation concerning fire risk in France. It also carried out a thorough analysis of the measures taken in the United Kingdom and the United States, two countries that promote the use of FRs. This multidisciplinary approach, involving law, sociology and the economic sciences, contributes to an appreciation of any benefits and risks that may arise from the adoption of legislation leading to an increased use of FRs in domestic upholstered furniture as a means of reducing fire risk. The other aspect of the work conducted by the Agency concerns the identification of the most commonly used FRs, plus a study of their toxicity, their behaviour and their potential for dispersal in the environment. A summary report on all these studies and the Agency's Opinion will be published in the course of 2015.

Campylobacteriose Campylobacteriosis

Updated on 12/05/2022

Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli are the two bacteria responsible for the great majority of human campylobacteriosis cases. This disease is transmitted from animals to humans (zoonosis) most often through the alimentary route (mainly poultry, but also beef, pork and contaminated water), as well as through contact with infected individuals, animals or carcasses. It is characterised by acute enteritis caused by an intestinal infection, followed, in 4 out of 5 cases, by spontaneous recovery within several days. This information sheet presents the disease as well as recommendations for controlling contamination.

Compléments Alimentaires Red yeast rice-based food supplements

Updated on 11/09/2024

Red yeast rice is a red mould grown on rice which is used in many food supplements claiming to "maintain a normal level of cholesterol". ANSES has received 25 reports of adverse reactions (mostly muscle and liver damage) likely to be linked to consumption of food supplements containing red yeast rice. The Agency considers that use of this kind of food supplement containing monacolins may expose consumers to a health risk – especially individuals who are particularly susceptible due to genetic predispositions, pathologies, ongoing treatments, etc. ANSES therefore recommends seeking medical advice before taking these products. It emphasises that these supplements must not be used by patients taking statin-based medications, nor by those who had to stop taking statin-based medications due to adverse reactions (statin-intolerant patients). Susceptible individuals (pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and adolescents, people over the age of 70 or those suffering from certain pathologies, people who consume large amounts of grapefruit, etc.) should also avoid taking these supplements. 

Compléments Alimentaires PSynephrine Dietary supplements for weight loss containing p-synephrine

Updated on 11/09/2024

P-synephrine, a substance found in the skin of bitter oranges, is used as an ingredient in numerous so-called "weight-loss" food supplements. Since the creation of its nutrivigilance system, ANSES has received 18 reports of adverse effects potentially associated with the consumption of food supplements containing p-synephrine. Based on its assessment, the Agency considers that intake levels of p-synephrine through food supplements must remain below below 20 mg/day. It also recommends not taking p-synephrine-based weight-loss supplements along with caffeine, and strongly discourages taking such products during physical exercise, as well as their use by sensitive groups, including individuals following medical treatments, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and adolescents. 

Caféine Caffeine and health

Updated on 03/05/2022

In the context of its assessment of the risks of consuming "so-called energy drinks", ANSES has closely examined the role of caffeine in the reports of adverse effects that it has received. Coffee is the main source of caffeine for adults, but so-called energy drinks are a new source of caffeine for children and adolescents. According to consumption data from the study published by EFSA in 2013, these beverages represent up to 15% of the caffeine intake of French children. In view of the results of these studies, ANSES recommends that consumers – especially children, pregnant women and individuals who are susceptible to its effects or who suffer from certain pathologies – use moderation with regard to caffeine. 

Bilharziose Urogenital schistosomiasis

Updated on 16/05/2022

Urogenital schistosomiasis (bilharziasis) is a parasitic disease due to trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. It can be transmitted to humans through simple skin contact with water in bodies of water or waterways (streams, rivers, lakes or ponds) in which freshwater gastropod snails of the genus Bulinus live. When infested, these snails disperse larvae into the water. Following reports of clustered cases of indigenous schistosomiasis in southern Corsica due to Schistosoma haematobium, ANSES has been asked to assess the risk of human contamination by this parasite in continental France so that it can rapidly take action to control any possible risks. To do so, the Agency has conducted an expert assessment of the ecology of the Bulinus snail, and its expert assessment work has led it to recommend acquiring further knowledge on these molluscs in order to provide a comprehensive review of their presence in bodies of water and waterways conducive to their development. This knowledge is essential for establishing a profile of the different water sites likely to provide conditions that could promote S. haematobium transmission. In the meantime, measures should be implemented to prevent water contamination and/or avoid exposure. 

Coffee and chemical contamination

Updated on 17/05/2022

Over the last several years, various espresso-type machines have become available in France and can now be found in many households. ANSES, in a partnership with the French National Consumers Institute (INC), has launched a study to compare the levels of various chemical contaminants in coffee prepared using these machines with those of traditional drip brew coffee. The study shows that these new techniques do not modify the conclusions of previous risk assessments on consumer exposure to chemical contaminants.

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