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.

Liquorice is used as an ingredient in certain food supplements and as a flavouring in beverages and foods. Following numerous reports of adverse effects, some of them severe, ANSES assessed the risks associated with the consumption of products containing liquorice. Its expert appraisal shows that repeated high consumption of beverages and foods containing liquorice can lead to hypokalaemia (a drop in blood potassium levels) and high blood pressure, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk. Some people are particularly sensitive: pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, people with cardiovascular problems (such as hypertension), or kidney or liver problems. ANSES recommends that food labels indicate the presence of liquorice or its main active ingredient, glycyrrhizinic acid, even in small quantities.

The adverse effects of plant protection products must be monitored and taken into account so that their uses and marketing authorisations can be adjusted where necessary. Through its phytopharmacovigilance scheme, ANSES analysed the results of a major scientific study: Inserm’s collective expert review on the links between pesticide exposure and human health, updated in 2021. Following this analysis, the Agency identified several health signals, including a strong signal concerning pyrethroids, which are used in plant protection products as well as in biocides and veterinary medicinal products. ANSES reiterates the importance of regularly reviewing the assessments of substances and products in light of new data.

The rise of digital platforms has been accompanied by changes in working patterns that are raising health issues for workers such as food delivery couriers. In its expert appraisal, ANSES highlights the health consequences for workers who deliver food on two wheels in urban areas while being subject to algorithmic management. These couriers experience both short- and long-term effects related in particular to constant pressure, isolation and a difficult working environment; for example, they are prone to road accidents, stress, exhaustion and musculoskeletal disorders. To protect the health and improve the safety of food delivery couriers in France, ANSES recommends that the application of the health and safety provisions set out for employees in the French Labour Code be made mandatory for these workers.

The isoflavones naturally found in certain plants can have harmful effects on health, particularly on the reproductive system, if consumed in excessive amounts. As soy is the main source of isoflavones, ANSES is recommending that soy-based foods not be served in mass catering establishments to avoid over-consumption. It is also calling on the agri-food sector to review soy production and processing techniques, in order to reduce isoflavone levels in foods.

ANSES is publishing two expert appraisals on vegetarian diets. In the first, it studied the health benefits and risks associated with these diets. To do this, it carried out a systematic review of the available epidemiological studies. In the second, it proposed specific dietary guidelines for people who are on or are considering adopting a vegetarian diet. The aim is to help them optimise their nutritional intake while taking account of their eating habits and limiting their exposure to contaminants.

Although it is banned in medicines, the Garcinia cambogia Desr. plant continues to be offered in food supplements. Consuming them can have severe adverse effects, in particular acute hepatitis, including in people with no previous history of medical problems. An overall analysis of these signals has led ANSES to issue an alert strongly advising against the consumption of food supplements containing this plant.

ANSES is proposing a harmonised classification for galaxolide, sometimes referred to as HHCB, as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under the CLP Regulation (for Classification, Labelling and Packaging of products). This substance, which is widely used in everyday products such as perfumes, cosmetics and air fresheners, can cause damage to human fertility and development, according to the conclusions of ANSES’s expert appraisal work. Since 27 January 2025, the scientific dossier has been available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), for comments or provision of additional information on this substance.

In order to better inform consumers about the health and environmental hazards of household products, ANSES is proposing to categorise these products in order to establish a labelling standard for them. This work is also aimed at encouraging manufacturers to improve the composition of their products.

After having shown that resorcinol affects thyroid function, with harmful effects, the Agency is putting forward a proposal to classify this substance as an endocrine disruptor for human health. This was made possible by the recent creation of this hazard class in the CLP Regulation (the European Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging). Since 20 January 2025, the scientific dossier has been available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), for comments or provision of additional information on this substance.