What scientific criteria can be used to develop animal welfare labelling for food products?
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the living conditions of the animals used to produce foodstuffs such as meat, dairy products and eggs. ANSES is publishing guidelines for labelling products of animal origin specifically with respect to farm animal welfare. Implementing this proposal would harmonise current and future labelling systems. One of its main features is that the welfare assessment is based on scientific indicators measured directly on the animals, and not just on their rearing conditions. Another of its distinguishing features is that it takes account not only of the living conditions of the food-producing animals themselves, but also those of their parents.
Leave household products in their original containers!
Over the 2017-2021 period, more than 33,000 accidents caused by the decanting of household products were recorded by poison control centres in France. While many of these accidents were not serious, around 100 had severe consequences and five deaths were reported. ANSES is reiterating the precautions you should take to protect yourself and your loved ones on a daily basis.
What are the most common causes of serious cases of accidental poisoning in children?
Produits de nettoyage, médicaments, appareils de chauffage, piles-boutons font partie de notre quotidien mais peuvent être sources d’accidents pour nos enfants. Les intoxications dont ils sont victimes sont fréquentes et parfois graves, surtout pour les plus jeunes. C’est ce que mentionne le bilan de l’Anses qui a analysé, en collaboration avec Santé publique France, différentes données issues des Centres antipoison (CAP), des passages aux urgences, des hospitalisations et des décès de 2014 à 2020. Ces accidents étant évitables, il est indispensable de sensibiliser l’entourage des enfants à ces risques et aux bonnes pratiques pour les prévenir.
European partnership of scientists and funders helping to improve animal health and welfare
ANSES is a member of the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (represented by the abbreviation EUP AH&W or its acronym EUPAHW) co-financed by the European Commission. This partnership aims to combat infectious animal diseases and promote animal welfare.
Maison de la RATP - Espace du centenaire - 58 Quai de la Rappée - 75012 Paris
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) and the French Research Agency (ANR) are pleased to invite you to their second scientific conference on endocrine disruptors (EDs).
Triphenyl phosphate, an endocrine disruptor for species in the environment
Triphenyl phosphate is a substance used as a flame retardant and/or plasticiser in a wide variety of materials and equipment. In view of its endocrine-disrupting properties for species in the environment, which have been determined mainly in fish, the Agency is proposing to identify triphenyl phosphate as a substance of very high concern, within the meaning of the European REACH Regulation. The aim is to better regulate the use of this chemical on the European continent. This ANSES proposal is available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) until 15 April, to give stakeholders the opportunity to provide additional data.
Strengthening the classification of diphenylguanidine used to manufacture rubber
Diphenylguanidine is a substance used mainly in the manufacture of rubber. Following its assessment, ANSES is proposing that its European classification be strengthened in order to better protect human health from neurological disorders as well as damage to fertility and development in particular. This classification proposal under the CLP Regulation (for classification, labelling and packaging of products) has been available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) since 18 March 2024, to enable all stakeholders to comment or provide any additional information on this substance.
Stepping up surveillance of the oriental fruit fly to prevent it from becoming established in France
Bactrocera dorsalis , commonly known as the oriental fruit fly, is one of the most destructive pests for many fruit and vegetable production sectors. In its opinion, ANSES considers that the likelihood of its long-term establishment in mainland France is not negligible. To be able to detect any outbreak of infestation as quickly as possible, ANSES recommends stepping up the surveillance of crops and imported goods in Mediterranean areas near ports and airports, beyond what is provided for in the current regulations.
The fundamental principles underlying ANSES’s vigilance schemes
ANSES coordinates seven vigilance schemes aimed at identifying adverse effects caused by several types of products and foods. What are the fundamental principles underpinning this mission at the Agency? What do the new vigilance schemes for cosmetics and tattoos involve? What is the outlook for these schemes? Juliette Bloch, Director of Health Alerts and Vigilance, answers our questions.