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The caps of glass bottles contaminate beverages with microplastics
Les capsules des bouteilles en verre contaminent les boissons avec des microplastiques
20/06/2025

The caps of glass bottles contaminate beverages with microplastics

Microplastics are present in all beverages, but those packaged in glass bottles contain more microplastic particles than those in plastic bottles, cartons or cans. This was the surprising finding of a study conducted by the Boulogne-sur-Mer unit of the ANSES Laboratory for Food Safety. The scientists hypothesised that these plastic particles could come from the paint used on bottle caps. Water and wine are less affected than other beverages. These findings have highlighted a source of microplastics in drinks that manufacturers can easily take measures to address.
50 years of the Fougères Laboratory
Laboratoire de Fougères
19/06/2025

50 years of the Fougères Laboratory

Located in a livestock farming region at the heart of Brittany since 1975, the Fougères Laboratory has evolved to specialise in risks associated with veterinary medicinal products and chemical contaminants in food. Tahar Ait Ali, the Laboratory’s Director, tells us about its history and activities.
An innovative method to more accurately measure dietary exposure to arsenic
Une méthode innovante pour mieux mesurer l'exposition alimentaire à l'arsenic
23/05/2025

An innovative method to more accurately measure dietary exposure to arsenic

Some forms of arsenic are toxic and even carcinogenic. ANSES’s Laboratory for Food Safety has developed an innovative method that will enable their concentration in different foods to be more accurately measured. This breakthrough will enhance the assessment of consumer exposure and health risks.
ANSES’s role in limiting the spread of new cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe
Nouveaux cas de fièvre aphteuse en Europe : l’Anses impliquée pour limiter la propagation
14/04/2025

ANSES’s role in limiting the spread of new cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe

Since early 2025, outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported in Germany, and more recently in Hungary and Slovakia. We provide an update on this highly contagious disease and ANSES's role as the European Union Reference Laboratory, a mandate it shares with the Sciensano Institute in Belgium.
Agricultural biodiversity and climate change: vegetation in the margins of fields has changed in just 10 years
Bordure d'un champs de tournesol
05/03/2025

Agricultural biodiversity and climate change: vegetation in the margins of fields has changed in just 10 years

Scientists from INRAE and ANSES have been studying changes in field margin vegetation on 500 agricultural plots in mainland France, to understand how climate change and farming practices are affecting these plants. Their results, published in Ecology Letters, show that in 10 years the average temperature in these plots has risen by 1.2°C and soil moisture has fallen by 14%. The work shows that the plant communities in field margins have changed as a result, with more species tolerant to heat and aridity to the detriment of ruderal species (i.e. those able to withstand the disruption associated with farming practices). Climate change mitigation practices, such as plant cover and agroforestry, or reducing the use of agricultural inputs, would help preserve the ability of this biodiversity to adapt.
ANSES portraits: women in science 2025
portraits de femmes de sciences
11/02/2025

ANSES portraits: women in science 2025

In honour of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we take a closer look at the backgrounds and careers of five women who contribute to science at ANSES.
Two ANSES doctoral students recognised for presentations of their research work
21/01/2025

Two ANSES doctoral students recognised for presentations of their research work

The "ANSES Scientific and Doctoral Days" are an opportunity for the Agency's scientists to get together and discuss their work. They also enable ANSES doctoral students to present their thesis results, through 180-second oral presentations in English for third-year PhD students, and posters in English for second-year students. At the most recent event, held on 2 and 3 October 2024, the presentations given by Kevyn Beissat and Cassandre Jeannot were named "best oral presentation" and "best poster" respectively.
On the lookout for new strategies to test protein toxicity
toxicité des protéines
09/01/2025

On the lookout for new strategies to test protein toxicity

The ANSES Fougères Laboratory coordinated the Protox project, which aimed to propose a strategy for determining protein toxicity using new approach methodologies (NAMs). Whether through food or our environment, we can be exposed to novel proteins whose health risks need to be assessed while minimising animal testing. Kevin Hogeveen, a toxicologist at the Fougères Laboratory and project coordinator, explains.
Laboratory for Hydrology: 200 years of safeguarding public health
Laboratoire hydrologie Nancy
18/12/2024

Laboratory for Hydrology: 200 years of safeguarding public health

ANSES's Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. The safety of water is embedded in its DNA. Under the impact of climate change and new lifestyle patterns, this issue has become a major concern for society. Sophie Lardy-Fontan, its director, presents the laboratory.

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