alimentation

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Food and nutrition

Food is central to our daily lives. When it is safe and nutritious, it is a powerful ally for our health. However, an imbalanced diet or contaminated food can expose us to immediate risks or chronic diseases. ANSES provides scientific expertise at all stages of the food chain, from the production of foods of animal or plant origin through to the consumer's plate. It assesses the risks associated with the contamination of food by pathogens and toxic substances. It also assesses nutritional quality, and the risks of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour.

News

Ciguatera in the French Caribbean: more information needed on the fish species that can cause this poisoning
ciguaterra aux antilles
11/07/2025

Ciguatera in the French Caribbean: more information needed on the fish species that can cause this poisoning

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.
Strengthening the surveillance of tick-borne encephalitis to improve disease prevention
encéphalite à tiques
08/07/2025

Strengthening the surveillance of tick-borne encephalitis to improve disease prevention

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.
Food safety: how science protects consumer health
Sécurité sanitaire des aliments : comment la science protège la santé des consommateurs
27/06/2025

Food safety: how science protects consumer health

From food production to consumption, ANSES provides scientific expertise to ensure that food is as safe as possible. This includes developing analytical methods, conducting studies on the safety of novel foods, and monitoring food poisoning incidents. On World Food Safety Day, discover seven concrete actions taken by our scientists to protect consumer health.
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.
Increase in cases of poisoning caused by CBD products containing other substances
intoxications causées par des produits à base de CBD contenant d’autres substances
19/06/2025

Increase in cases of poisoning caused by CBD products containing other substances

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.
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.
Think twice before consuming large amounts of liquorice to avoid the risk of hypertension
consommation alimentaire de réglisse
12/06/2025

Think twice before consuming large amounts of liquorice to avoid the risk of hypertension

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.
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.
Domestic fridge temperatures studied in Europe to better protect consumers
La température des réfrigérateurs des Européens étudiée pour mieux protéger les consommateurs
18/04/2025

Domestic fridge temperatures studied in Europe to better protect consumers

Scientists at ANSES’s Laboratory for Food Safety have reviewed the reference temperature used to calculate the use-by dates of ready-to-eat refrigerated foods. This temperature takes account of those actually observed in domestic refrigerators in 16 European countries. It was defined to prevent foodborne infections caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes .
Avoid isoflavones on menus in mass catering
Isoflavones
24/03/2025

Avoid isoflavones on menus in mass catering

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.
Health effects of vegetarian diets and associated dietary guidelines
Régimes végétariens : effets sur la santé et repères alimentaires
13/03/2025

Health effects of vegetarian diets and associated dietary guidelines

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.
Six new European scientific projects on risks associated with food
6 projets scientifiques européens
06/03/2025

Six new European scientific projects on risks associated with food

Since late 2024, ANSES has been taking part in six new European projects, two of which it is coordinating. These projects, funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as part of its "tailor-made" activities, are seeking to improve knowledge and the use of data on risks associated mainly with food. They will explore issues such as the risks associated with botulism, according to a One Health approach, and the use of artificial intelligence to analyse data in the field of food safety.

Decryption

Microplastics: risks to the environment and health
Microplastiques
20/06/2025

Microplastics: risks to the environment and health

Microplastics range in size from 5 millimetres down to a micrometre (70 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair). They are ubiquitous in the environment, found in seas and oceans, rivers, soil, air, homes and even in food. All living species, from the smallest (e.g. zooplankton) to the largest (e.g. whales), can ingest them.
Hepatitis E
Hepatite
29/01/2025

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is usually a benign disease, but can sometimes lead to serious complications that may be fatal (particularly in susceptible populations, such as pregnant women or individuals with liver disease). ANSES was asked in 2009 to assess the role of certain food products in its transmission. It published several opinions and scientific assessment of the risks related to the hepatitis E virus.
Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean
Chlordécone
20/09/2024

Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean

Chlordecone is a pesticide that can pose a risk to human health. It was used in banana plantations in the French Caribbean until 1993. Being very persistent, it has permanently contaminated the soil and water, and even today has an impact on crops and livestock production. Since the early 2000s, ANSES has been working to improve knowledge on exposure of the French Caribbean population to this contaminant and the associated health risks. In particular, it has made recommendations on the consumption of locally produced food.
The French Food Observatory: OQALI
18/03/2024

The French Food Observatory: OQALI

A balanced diet calls for certain individual habits, but also for the foods offered to consumers to have an adequate nutritional composition. In order to be able to monitor the quality of the food supply, OQALI, the French Food Observatory, was set up in February 2008 by the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Consumer Affairs. It is run jointly by ANSES and INRAE.
What is botulism and how can you prevent it?
27/10/2023

What is botulism and how can you prevent it?

Botulism is a disease caused by the action of a toxin produced by Clostridia bacteria, in particular Clostridium botulinum. Found almost everywhere in the environment, this bacterium is responsible for rare but severe cases of food poisoning in humans. The foods most often involved in human cases include canned foods as well as home-made and artisanal cured meat and fish.
Brucellosis
Brucellose
12/04/2023

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella . Found worldwide, it can affect humans, with symptoms including fever, pain, headache and/or weakness. It also affects most mammalian species, domestic and wild ruminants in particular. In animals, brucellosis causes abortion, reduced fertility and reduced milk production, which may in turn induce major economic losses. In addition, animals or herds which have not been certified as brucellosis-free cannot circulate freely between countries. Driven by these major economic implications and to the risk to human health, ANSES is actively involved in brucellosis surveillance and control. Here we provide a presentation of the disease, its current status in France, and the role played by ANSES.
Pesticides in tap water
Pesticides
15/03/2023

Pesticides in tap water

As they disperse in the environment after application, the active substances in pesticides can degrade into one or more other compounds called "metabolites". Some of these substances then end up in drinking water. In order to guarantee consumer health, ANSES provides the Directorate General for Health with scientific benchmarks that are invaluable for monitoring tap water quality. To do this, the Agency uses a method for identifying those pesticide metabolites whose presence in drinking water warrants priority attention.
How to avoid food poisoning from norovirus
Comment éviter les intoxications alimentaires liées aux norovirus ?
23/01/2023

How to avoid food poisoning from norovirus

In France, noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups. In this article, we take a look at the source of these viruses and how they are transmitted.
Vitamin C
Vitamines
03/11/2022

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen and plays an important role in the defence against oxidative stress. Find out more about its role, the foods in which it is found, and the risks of deficiency.
Vitamin B9
Vitamines
03/11/2022

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is essential for certain functions of the body, particularly cell renewal. In which foods is it found? Which population groups are most likely to be consuming inadequate amounts? What are the health risks of this inadequate intake? All the answers to these questions are in this article.
Salt or sodium chloride
Sel
03/11/2022

Salt or sodium chloride

Salt, which consists almost entirely of sodium chloride, is necessary for the functioning of the body. However, consuming too much of it can lead to the development of certain diseases. Find out which foods are high in salt and read our recommendations for limiting your intake.
Iodine
Iode
03/11/2022

Iodine

Iodine is vital to the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Find out about its importance to the body, the health risks in the event of excess or deficiency, and the foods containing it.

Publications

Document PDF
Assessment of the physical and chemical risks in foods
Date de mise en ligne
08/07/2025
Numéro de saisine
2023-AUTO-0123
Document PDF
Human nutrition
Date de mise en ligne
02/06/2025
Numéro de saisine
2019-SA-0118
Document PDF
Health reference values
Date de mise en ligne
24/03/2025
Numéro de saisine
2022-SA-0221
Document PDF
Human nutrition
Date de mise en ligne
04/06/2025
Numéro de saisine
2022-SA-0155
Document PDF
Human nutrition
Date de mise en ligne
19/12/2024
Numéro de saisine
2023-SA-0019