Food and nutrition

Faced with the globalisation of trade, the emergence of new consumption patterns and the diversity of the food offer, a high level of vigilance is required to prevent new risks in the food sector. These risks must be evaluated, without however neglecting "conventional" physico-chemical and microbiological risks (bacterial contamination, Salmonella, etc.), as well as certain risks linked to environmental contaminants.This is the role of ANSES, which is involved in all stages of the food production chain and which assesses health risks from primary production to the plate of the final consumer. The Agency assesses the nutritional risks and benefits of foods and their ingredients, the quality of drinking water, monitors eating habits, and helps draft public health objectives and recommendations. It also develops diagnostic methods, conducts research work and performs expert scientific assessments on the risks of products, processes and practices in addition to providing surveillance and monitoring in the area of nutrition.

Seeking a more protective European definition for nanomaterials

In the European Union, the definition of nanomaterial varies according to the industry sector. The European Commission launched a public consultation to revise the definition of nanomaterial with a view to possible harmonisation. In its response, ANSES urged the Commission not to exclude from this definition certain nanomaterials that could still be problematic for human health and the environment.

Used in a wide variety of everyday products ...

Published on 23/07/2021