Page thématique

Food and nutrition

Food is central to our daily lives. When it is safe and nutritious, it is a powerful ally for our health. However, an imbalanced diet or contaminated food can expose us to immediate risks or chronic diseases. ANSES provides scientific expertise at all stages of the food chain, from the production of foods of animal or plant origin through to the consumer's plate. It assesses the risks associated with the contamination of food by pathogens and toxic substances. It also assesses nutritional quality, and the risks of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour.

News

A faster and more economical way of investigating the origin of listeriosis
Vue d'artiste d'une double hélice d'ADN
07/06/2023

A faster and more economical way of investigating the origin of listeriosis

ANSES has developed a PCR test for the rapid and inexpensive identification of Listeria monocytogenes strains causing foodborne infections, in collaboration with food safety laboratories in several other European countries. This test has already been used in some countries to investigate the origin of human cases of listeriosis.
Mould in food: identifying mutagenic and carcinogenic toxins
Vue au microscope d'une moisissure se développant sur l'alimentation
31/05/2023

Mould in food: identifying mutagenic and carcinogenic toxins

The combined use of several different software applications could speed up the acquisition of knowledge on toxins known as mycotoxins, which are produced by certain types of mould growing in food. This innovative approach has been used by ANSES scientists to identify mycotoxins that may be mutagenic and/or carcinogenic.
ANSES calls for the adoption of a more protective definition for nanomaterials
nanomateriaux
17/05/2023

ANSES calls for the adoption of a more protective definition for nanomaterials

ANSES believes that the European Commission's new Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial, published on 10 June 2022, is too restrictive and could lead to a regression in the protection of public health and the environment. The Agency is therefore urging the French authorities to take a more inclusive definition into account and work towards its integration in the revision of sectoral regulations at European level. With this in mind, the Agency has listed all the criteria needed to define nanoscale objects whose possible health effects warrant assessment.
One Health EJP: time to assess the results
Un homme avec un troupeau de vaches dans un pré
04/05/2023

One Health EJP: time to assess the results

After more than five years, the One Health European Joint Programme (EJP) will soon be coming to an end. Coordinated by ANSES, it has helped put the "One Health" concept into practice with a view to improving knowledge of zoonotic diseases, food safety, antimicrobial resistance and emerging diseases.
Coronaviruses studied from several angles: animals, food and water
Visuel d'illustration de coronavirus
27/04/2023

Coronaviruses studied from several angles: animals, food and water

For two years, 20 partners from 13 European countries worked together to study SARS‑CoV‑2 and coronaviruses under the COVRIN project. It aimed to gain a better understanding of the factors behind the emergence and spread of the virus responsible for COVID-19, in order to strengthen preparedness for any new coronavirus. ANSES was closely involved in studying the risks of the virus jumping from animals to humans and the possibility of transmission from the environment.
ANSES hosts the IMEKOFOODS international conference on food safety and quality
Alimentation
25/10/2023

ANSES hosts the IMEKOFOODS international conference on food safety and quality

Public :
ANSES in Maisons-Alfort
ANSES, as the French scientific assessment agency for food and nutrition, has offered to host the 7th edition of the IMEKOFOODS conference, which will be held from 25 to 27 October 2023.
Emerging pollutants in drinking water: review of the main findings of the latest national campaign
polluants emergents
12/04/2023

Emerging pollutants in drinking water: review of the main findings of the latest national campaign

ANSES’s Laboratory for Hydrology periodically conducts campaigns to assess chemical compounds in drinking water that are not (or not sufficiently) sampled during routine monitoring. The data from the latest campaign are published today. This is an overview of the main findings, including analyses of more than 150 pesticides and pesticide metabolites and approximately 50 explosives residues.
Only consume liquorice occasionally and in moderation
reglisse
31/03/2023

Only consume liquorice occasionally and in moderation

Liquorice is found in a wide variety of foods and drinks, including sweets, ice cream, syrups and alcoholic beverages. Regularly eating large amounts of food containing liquorice can cause serious and potentially life-threatening poisoning, even in healthy individuals. Following the cases of poisoning recorded by poison control centres from 2012 to 2021, ANSES is recommending that liquorice should only be consumed occasionally and in moderation.
Vitamin D: opt for medicines to avoid overdosing infants
vitamine d nourrisson
29/03/2023
News

Vitamin D: opt for medicines to avoid overdosing infants

Three new cases of vitamin D overdose have recently been reported in infants as a result of taking food supplements. Too much vitamin D can have serious, life-threatening consequences for the health of young children. To limit risks, we are reiterating our recommendations on the vitamin D supplementation of infants.
ANSES portraits: women in science
10/02/2023

ANSES portraits: women in science

To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, six of the women who contribute to science at ANSES talk about their work.
First application of ANSES's methodology for assessing the risks of nanomaterials in food
16/12/2022
News

First application of ANSES's methodology for assessing the risks of nanomaterials in food

Conventional methodologies are not always suitable for assessing the potential health risks to consumers of nanomaterials used in food. In 2021, ANSES therefore proposed a "nanospecific" risk assessment methodology, which it has just tested on the food additive E171, or titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is the most widely studied nanomaterial. Its use in food has been prohibited in Europe since August 2022. This practical application has shown both the method's validity and the extent of the lack of data for conducting an adequate risk assessment of nanomaterials in food.
Vitamin D : no endocrine disruptor label on food products
recherche Information produit alimentaire
28/10/2022

Vitamin D : no endocrine disruptor label on food products

ANSES advises against including vitamin D3 in the list of substances to be mentioned as endocrine disruptors on food products, as part of implementation of the French AGEC Act.

Decryption

Brucellosis
12/04/2023

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella . Found worldwide, it can affect humans, with symptoms including fever, pain, headache and/or weakness. It also affects most mammalian species, domestic and wild ruminants in particular. In animals, brucellosis causes abortion, reduced fertility and reduced milk production, which may in turn induce major economic losses. In addition, animals or herds which have not been certified as brucellosis-free cannot circulate freely between countries. Driven by these major economic implications and to the risk to human health, ANSES is actively involved in brucellosis surveillance and control. Here we provide a presentation of the disease, its current status in France, and the role played by ANSES.
Pesticides in tap water
15/03/2023

Pesticides in tap water

As they disperse in the environment after application, the active substances in pesticides can degrade into one or more other compounds called "metabolites". Some of these substances then end up in drinking water. In order to guarantee consumer health, ANSES provides the Directorate General for Health with scientific benchmarks that are invaluable for monitoring tap water quality. To do this, the Agency uses a method for identifying those pesticide metabolites whose presence in drinking water warrants priority attention.
How to avoid food poisoning from norovirus
Comment éviter les intoxications alimentaires liées aux norovirus ?
23/01/2023

How to avoid food poisoning from norovirus

In France, noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups. In this article, we take a look at the source of these viruses and how they are transmitted.
Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean
19/12/2022

Risks of dietary exposure to chlordecone in the French Caribbean

Chlordecone is a pesticide that can pose a risk to human health. It was used in banana plantations in the French Caribbean until 1993. Being very persistent, it has permanently contaminated the soil and water, and even today has an impact on crops and livestock production. Since the early 2000s, ANSES has been working to improve knowledge on exposure of the French Caribbean population to this contaminant and the associated health risks. In particular, it has made recommendations on the consumption of locally produced food.
Vitamin C
03/11/2022

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen and plays an important role in the defence against oxidative stress. Find out more about its role, the foods in which it is found, and the risks of deficiency.
Vitamin B9
03/11/2022

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is essential for certain functions of the body, particularly cell renewal. In which foods is it found? Which population groups are most likely to be consuming inadequate amounts? What are the health risks of this inadequate intake? All the answers to these questions are in this article.
Salt or sodium chloride
03/11/2022

Salt or sodium chloride

Salt, which consists almost entirely of sodium chloride, is necessary for the functioning of the body. However, consuming too much of it can lead to the development of certain diseases. Find out which foods are high in salt and read our recommendations for limiting your intake.
Iodine
03/11/2022

Iodine

Iodine is vital to the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Find out about its importance to the body, the health risks in the event of excess or deficiency, and the foods containing it.
Iron
03/11/2022

Iron

Iron is mainly needed to help the body transport and use oxygen. Find out which foods are rich in iron, the risks associated with iron deficiency, and which population groups need special attention.
Calcium
03/11/2022

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is found mainly in the skeleton. Find out why calcium is important for your health, which diseases are caused by a deficiency and which foods are rich in calcium.
What is histamine and what can be done to prevent poisoning?
histamine dans le poisson
17/08/2022

What is histamine and what can be done to prevent poisoning?

Histamine poisoning is one of the main causes of foodborne illness related to fish consumption. However, this poisoning can be avoided by observing hygiene rules, particularly regarding the cold chain. Here are some explanations.
Ten questions & answers concerning nitrates and nitrites
Réduire l’exposition aux nitrites et aux nitrates dans l’alimentation
12/07/2022

Ten questions & answers concerning nitrates and nitrites

What is the difference between nitrates and nitrites? Why are they found in food? Through what foods are we most exposed to these substances? Are we too exposed to them? Is there really such a thing as “nitrite-free” delicatessen meat? You will find all the answers to these questions in this article.

Publications

Document PDF
Biotechnology
Thematique
Food and nutrition
Date de mise en ligne
17/04/2023
Numéro de saisine
2022-SA-0101
Document PDF
Assessment of the physical and chemical risks in foods
Thematique
Food and nutrition
Date de mise en ligne
11/08/2022
Numéro de saisine
2020-SA-0106
Document PDF
Assessment of the biological risks in foods
Thematique
Food and nutrition
Date de mise en ligne
21/11/2022
Numéro de saisine
2022-SA-0110
Document PDF
Assessment of the physical and chemical risks in foods
Thematique
Food and nutrition
Environmental health
Date de mise en ligne
24/01/2022
Numéro de saisine
2020-SA-0020