Scientists at ANSES’s Laboratory for Food Safety have reviewed the reference temperature used to calculate the use-by dates of ready-to-eat refrigerated foods. This temperature takes account of those actually observed in domestic refrigerators in 16 European countries. It was defined to prevent foodborne infections caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes .

Since early 2025, outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported in Germany, and more recently in Hungary and Slovakia. We provide an update on this highly contagious disease and ANSES's role as the European Union Reference Laboratory, a mandate it shares with the Sciensano Institute in Belgium.

The wild asparagus season is here. Although considered to be edible, this plant can cause potentially serious poisoning: swelling of the throat, difficulty swallowing, etc. These symptoms generally occur three to four hours after consumption. Laboratory analysis of wild asparagus samples has revealed the presence of numerous calcium oxalate raphides, microscopic crystals known for their irritating effect.

ANSES is publishing two expert appraisals on vegetarian diets. In the first, it studied the health benefits and risks associated with these diets. To do this, it carried out a systematic review of the available epidemiological studies. In the second, it proposed specific dietary guidelines for people who are on or are considering adopting a vegetarian diet. The aim is to help them optimise their nutritional intake while taking account of their eating habits and limiting their exposure to contaminants.