Updated on 29/07/2021

Herbicide-tolerant varieties (HTVs) are crop varieties that have been developed to be intentionally tolerant to specific herbicids. In France, HTVs of sunflower and rapeseed have been growing in popularity since the early 2010s. In a changing regulatory context and in order to address public concerns, the Agency has conducted several studies to assess the farming practices reshaped by the use of HTVs and identify their potential risks for farmers, consumers and the environment. We provide an overview of the challenges that need to be overcome to improve the traceability and monitoring of HTVs in France.

Updated on 07/07/2021

Keywords : Aliment, Foodborne illness outbreak (FIO), Salmonellosis, Listeriosis

What are the potential sources of food contamination? What is a foodborne illness? How can I avoid food poisoning? What is salmonellosis and what does it cause? What does the Agency do to ensure that food is safe? On the occasion of World Food Safety Day, we have prepared a special close-up to help you learn more about the challenges of food safety and our work to make food safer for consumers.

Published on 02/06/2021

Keywords : Reference values (RVs)

As part of its missions and under the French National Environmental & Health Action Plan (2004-2008), the Agency began a national programme on TRVs in 2004 with the aim of building solid French expertise that could be shared by the various competent authorities in this area.

Published on 12/05/2021

Keywords : Antimicrobial resistance, Antibiotics, Resapath, Veterinary medicinal products, Animal health, Colistin

Since 1982, this unique scheme has been monitoring changes in antimicrobial resistance in all animal species in France. Run by two ANSES laboratories (Lyon and Ploufragan-Plouzané), it coordinates the work of more than 70 departmental laboratories in determining resistance to antimicrobials.

Published on 07/05/2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells as advanced therapies in veterinary medicines may have a therapeutic use in the treatment of osteo-articular degenerative affection in horses. Other therapeutic interests have yet to be discovered. A centralized marketing authorization was delivered for two veterinary medical product based on allogenic mesenchymal stromal cells, veterinarians also perform autologous ones. However, products based on autologous mesenchymal stromal cell, have to be produced by the veterinarian on expert platform, with all the necessary safety and quality controls because of the lack of standardized procedure. This article is available in the version of the authors above or in the technical supplement of  the journal La Dépêche Vétérinaire n° 180 of October 2020.

Published on 07/05/2021

Keywords : Nutritional guideline

The general term "dietary reference value" covers a set of dietary nutrient intake values that vary according to age and gender, and also according to physical activity levels, physiological status (e.g. pregnancy) and eating habits. These dietary reference values are useful to health professionals, particularly nutrition and dietetics specialists, for developing a balanced, varied diet covering the needs of different population groups in good health (infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly), without leading to excess intakes. This article summarises the functions, food sources and dietary reference values available for all vitamins and minerals.

Published on 21/04/2021

Keywords : Wildlife

Some pathogens are specific to the wild animals that carry them. However, they can be transmitted to humans or domestic animals through contact. ANSES's work, which focuses on both wild and domestic animals, helps improve understanding of how these pathogens jump from one species to another and attempts to combat these transmissions.

Updated on 16/06/2021

Keywords : Aliment

Milk, meat, vegetables... any of the food we eat can be a source of contamination. Through the transmission of bacteria, parasites, viruses of animal or plant origin, or chemical contaminants, our food can potentially cause illness or poisoning in humans. Food safety forms part of a global "one health" approach, at the interface of animal, plant and human health. To protect consumers from the risks of food contamination and prevent potential outbreaks, it is essential to take action at all stages of the food chain, "from farm to fork". This is ANSES's role.

Published on 21/04/2021

Keywords : One health, Animal health

Animal and human health are closely linked. Every year, three to five new human diseases originate in the animal world. A better understanding of the pathogens circulating in animals helps us prepare for future epidemics in humans. The issue is summarised here in a few key concepts to aid understanding.

Published on 09/04/2021

Keywords : Biocides

Some of the masks used against COVID-19 are treated with substances designed to protect the wearer against micro-organisms, and particularly the COVID-19 virus. Here is a review of the situation in four questions.