News

Today ANSES is publishing the conclusions of its expert appraisal on the health risks related to the use of devices intended for the performance of aesthetic procedures (hair removal and lipolysis). In light of the effects observed and reported in various clinical studies, ANSES has concluded that measures need to be taken to limit the occurrence of adverse effects. It recommends revising the regulatory framework for aesthetic devices, in particular applying requirements to them that are currently associated with medical devices. ANSES also recommends providing mandatory prior information on the risk of adverse effects to users undergoing aesthetic procedures.

Following an internal request, ANSES is today publishing its opinion on the assessment of the safety and effectiveness of water filter jugs. The data currently available do not indicate any risk for consumer health. The Agency concludes, however, that the use of water filter jugs can lead to various contaminants (silver ions, sodium, potassium, ammonium) leaching into drinking water, as well as a decrease in pH, and even a deterioration in the microbiological quality of the water. It is therefore issuing recommendations on improving the current standardised test protocols that define the expected performance and safety requirements of water filter jugs. It advises users to comply with the jugs’ user instructions, in particular regarding their use and cleaning, and storage of the filtered water. It also reiterates that the filter jugs are not designed to make non-potable water potable, and are only intended to be used with drinking water (DW) supplied at the tap of users.

ANSES is today publishing its Opinion on the relevance of nutrition information programmes (NIPs) for consumers. The work involved assessing the potential impact of the implementation of such systems on the reduction in the incidence of certain diseases in the entire population, through their effects on food choices. The Agency concludes that in the current state of knowledge, the nutritional relevance for public health of the NIPs examined could not be substantiated.

Today, ANSES is publishing its opinions and reports on the updating of the food consumption guidelines for the French adult population. This work aimed to formulate, for the first time, consumption guidelines for the main food groups in order to meet the nutritional requirements of the adult population, while taking into account the challenges associated with the presence of certain chemical contaminants in food. The Agency's opinion has resulted in major changes with regard to the previous recommendations. This mainly concerns the greater role to be played by pulses, wholegrain cereal products, vegetables and fruits, as well as certain vegetable oils. Conversely, the Agency insists on the need to limit the consumption of meat excluding poultry, and especially of delicatessen meats (charcuterie) and sugar-sweetened beverages. Lastly, the Agency reiterates the need to reduce the levels of certain contaminants in food (organic arsenic, acrylamide, lead) and repeats its recommendation that consumers diversify their diet and the sources of supply.