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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.

Scientists from INRAE and ANSES have been studying changes in field margin vegetation on 500 agricultural plots in mainland France, to understand how climate change and farming practices are affecting these plants. Their results, published in Ecology Letters, show that in 10 years the average temperature in these plots has risen by 1.2°C and soil moisture has fallen by 14%. The work shows that the plant communities in field margins have changed as a result, with more species tolerant to heat and aridity to the detriment of ruderal species (i.e. those able to withstand the disruption associated with farming practices). Climate change mitigation practices, such as plant cover and agroforestry, or reducing the use of agricultural inputs, would help preserve the ability of this biodiversity to adapt.

ANSES is proposing a harmonised classification for galaxolide, sometimes referred to as HHCB, as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant under the CLP Regulation (for Classification, Labelling and Packaging of products). This substance, which is widely used in everyday products such as perfumes, cosmetics and air fresheners, can cause damage to human fertility and development, according to the conclusions of ANSES’s expert appraisal work. Since 27 January 2025, the scientific dossier has been available for public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), for comments or provision of additional information on this substance.

Since late 2024, ANSES has been taking part in six new European projects, two of which it is coordinating. These projects, funded by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as part of its "tailor-made" activities, are seeking to improve knowledge and the use of data on risks associated mainly with food. They will explore issues such as the risks associated with botulism, according to a One Health approach, and the use of artificial intelligence to analyse data in the field of food safety.

Although it is banned in medicines, the Garcinia cambogia Desr. plant continues to be offered in food supplements. Consuming them can have severe adverse effects, in particular acute hepatitis, including in people with no previous history of medical problems. An overall analysis of these signals has led ANSES to issue an alert strongly advising against the consumption of food supplements containing this plant.