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Air Intérieur
10/07/2025 —
Research

First results from the second national campaign on air quality in homes (CNL2)

The Indoor Environment Quality Observatory (OQEI), run by the Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB) and the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), is presenting the first results from the Second National Housing Campaign (CNL2), which has documented changes in air quality in French homes since the previous campaign (2003-2005). More than 170 pollutants were measured. This first report from the CNL2 covers results relating to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and radon. The results of this study, which was carried out by the CSTB, have been validated by the OQEI's Scientific Board.
ciguaterra aux antilles
11/07/2025 —
Expert assessment

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.
PNR EST : l’Anses poursuit l’ouverture des données sur les projets qu’elle finance
04/07/2025 —
Research

PNR EST: ANSES continues to promote open access to data on the projects it finances

Facilitating access to research data and results is essential for the mobilisation of scientific knowledge. ANSES has recently launched a portal in the HAL open archive for publications relating to the projects funded by the National Research Programme for Environmental and Occupational Health (PNR EST). This supplements a series of actions aimed at opening up data from the research projects financed by the Agency.
encéphalite à tiques
08/07/2025 —
Expert assessment

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.
Sécurité sanitaire des aliments : comment la science protège la santé des consommateurs
27/06/2025 —
Research

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.
intoxications causées par des produits à base de CBD contenant d’autres substances
19/06/2025 —
Expert assessment

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.
Laboratoire de Fougères
19/06/2025 —
Research

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.
Les capsules des bouteilles en verre contaminent les boissons avec des microplastiques
20/06/2025 —
Research

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.
consommation alimentaire de réglisse
12/06/2025 —
Expert assessment

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.

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