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.

Edible and toxic plants: avoid confusion when picking

Following several reports of severe intoxication, including two deaths, ANSES and the network of poison control centres are drawing attention to the risks of confusing toxic and edible plants. The Agency is calling for greater vigilance and has issued advice on avoiding the risk of intoxication.

Some toxic plants resemble edible plants so the two may be confused, not only in the wild, but also in the garden ...

Published on 01/07/2019