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.

Seaweed consumption: remain vigilant to the risk of excess iodine intake

Over the last few years, seaweed has become increasingly common on our plates. Fresh, dried or as a food supplement, its iodine content varies and can sometimes be high. ANSES assessed the risk of excess iodine intake from the consumption of seaweed-based products. In view of the non-negligible risk of exceeding the upper limit of safe intake for iodine, the Agency advises against the consumption of seaweed and seaweed-based food ...

Published on 07/08/2018