29/06/2011
2 mins
Alimentation et nutrition humaine

Dietary exposure to chemical substances: ANSES publishes the results of the second French Total Diet Study

The Agency recently undertook to provide the broadest snapshot that has ever been taken of nutritional intakes and dietary exposure to chemical substances in the French population, in order to assess the long-term risk related to this exposure. In general, TDS 2 confirmed adequate levels of control over the health risks associated with the potential presence of chemical contaminants in foods in France, on the basis of the available regulatory thresholds and Health-Based Guidance Values.

However, for some population groups, this study also highlighted risks of exceeding the toxicological thresholds for certain substances such as lead, cadmium, inorganic arsenic and acrylamide, indicating that efforts are required to reduce exposure. Since these risks are often linked to high consumption of a given food or food group, ANSES emphasises the importance of a diversified and balanced diet by varying foods and the quantities consumed.

Lastly, the study highlights a need to improve scientific toxicological and analytical knowledge for a set of substances that are not regulated to date, but are found in foods, and for which it is not presently possible to draw a risk assessment conclusion.

Find out more

> The complete press kit:

  • Why undertake a Total Diet Study? How?
  • TDS 2: the most extensive study ever undertaken
  • The tested substances
  • TDS 2: the main lessons
  • Regulatory standards and toxicological thresholds: key notions
  • Key figures
  • ANSES, a new health and safety authority

> Opinion and report on the French Total Diet Study 2 (TDS 2, June 2011)

> The report on the French Total Diet Study 1 (TDS 1, May 2004): Mycotoxins, minerals and trace elements