Updated on 03/08/2018

Keywords : Food supplements, Nutrivigilance, Melatonine, Adverse effects

Under the national nutrivigilance scheme, reports of adverse effects likely to be associated with the consumption of food supplements containing melatonin have been brought to the attention of ANSES. A retrospective analysis of these reports, combined with the considerable level of consumption of this type of supplement, led ANSES to conduct an assessment of the potential health risks. In its Opinion of February 2018, the Agency highlighted the existence of populations and situations at risk, for which the consumption of melatonin in the form of a food supplement should be avoided or medical advice should be sought. This mainly concerns pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and adolescents, people suffering from inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, people with epilepsy, asthma, or suffering from mood, behaviour or personality disorders, as well as anyone being treated with medication. People carrying out any activity requiring sustained vigilance where drowsiness could pose a safety problem should also avoid its consumption.

Published on 30/05/2018

Keywords : Vectors

Since 1 January 2018, ANSES has been responsible for the former missions of the National Centre for Vector Research (CNEV) in terms of expertise for risk assessment and scientific and technical support in the area of vectors.

Published on 30/05/2018

Keywords : Climate change

Climate change is a reality on which there is broad consensus in the scientific community. Because of the inertia of the climate system, changes to the climate related to human activities will continue for many years, regardless of any measures taken today. Combating climate change, which is part of a more global environmental change, is therefore essential to limit its magnitude.

Published on 17/05/2018

An applicant intending to submit a marketing authorisation application for a veterinary medicinal product using the decentralised procedure with France acting as RMS has to inform the Anses-ANMV at least 2 months in advance.

Updated on 25/04/2018

Keywords : Veterinary medicinal products, Antiparasitics

Ectoparasites (parasites living on the outside of their host) can cause serious diseases in animals as well as diseases transmissible to humans. Veterinary medicinal products are available to control and/or prevent these diseases.

Updated on 11/04/2018

Keywords : Nanomaterials, Nanoparticles, Nanotechnologies

Silver nanoparticles are used in various industrial applications, in sectors such as food (additives, food packaging, internal linings of refrigerators), textiles (clothing and bedding) and cosmetic and hygiene products (toothbrushes, hair straighteners, disinfectant sprays, etc.). They are mainly used for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, it is still proving very difficult to obtain an inventory referencing all products containing silver nanoparticles in France and elsewhere in the world. In 2011, ANSES received a formal request to update knowledge on the assessment of health and environmental risks associated with exposure to silver nanoparticles.  

Updated on 09/10/2018

Keywords : Tobacco, Cigarette, Vaping product, Electronic cigarette, E-liquid, Nicotine, Additives, Flavourings, Toxicity reference values (TRVs), Addiction, Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

The Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) lays down rules relating to the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products (other smoking products, vaping products). While it does not establish a marketing authorisation system, the Directive requires manufacturers and importers to declare these products to the competent authorities of the Member States before they can be marketed. Their composition, emissions, toxicological data on the ingredients, in-depth studies for certain additives and market data must be provided. As part of the transposition of this Directive into French law, ANSES has been tasked with collecting and analysing this information. This mission falls within the general framework of the Agency's health protection activities, especially the work carried out in the area of chemicals, consumer products and the risks associated with air quality.

Published on 16/03/2018

The French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products (ANMV) proposes the new procedure below to manage the requests for specific batch release of veterinary medicinal products intended to the French market.  

Updated on 28/02/2018

Keywords : Plant health, Xylella fastidiosa

Xylella fastidiosa is a phytopathogenic bacterium that can affect plants in key agricultural sectors: grapes, citrus, Prunus, olives, alfalfa, oak, maple, horticulture, forestry, etc. There are no curative measures against this bacterium, except for grubbing up and destroying the contaminated plants and controlling the insect vectors. X. fastidiosa was first detected in Europe in 2013 in Italy, and was detected in Corsica in July 2015. More recently, isolated outbreaks have been reported in a greenhouse in Germany and also in Spain (Balearic Islands and the Alicante region). Here is an update on the role of the ANSES Plant Health Laboratory in combating this bacterium.  

Updated on 22/02/2018

Keywords : Sugar, Nutrition, Food composition

Glucose, galactose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose… these are all types of what is commonly called sugar. Given the health effects that can be caused by excessive sugar consumption, ANSES recommends not consuming more than 100 g of sugar per day (excluding lactose and galactose) and not more than one sweetened beverage.