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Over the last few years, seaweed has become increasingly common on our plates. Fresh, dried or as a food supplement, its iodine content varies and can sometimes be high. ANSES assessed the risk of excess iodine intake from the consumption of seaweed-based products. In view of the non-negligible risk of exceeding the upper limit of safe intake for iodine, the Agency advises against the consumption of seaweed and seaweed-based food supplements by certain at-risk populations, and recommends that regular consumers remain vigilant.

Today ANSES is publishing its health risk assessment on the safety of feminine hygiene products. Chemicals have been identified in these products at very low concentrations not exceeding health thresholds. The expert appraisal did not reveal any risk associated with these substances. Nevertheless, the Agency recommends that manufacturers improve the quality of these products in order to eliminate or minimise the presence of chemicals. ANSES’s expert appraisal also examined the risk of menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Its work showed that the risk of developing this disease, caused by a bacterial toxin, is related to the conditions of use of the feminine hygiene products. ANSES therefore reminds users of the importance of complying with the hygiene rules associated with the use of feminine hygiene products, particularly the length of time that tampons and menstrual cups can be worn.