The rise of digital platforms has been accompanied by changes in working patterns that are raising health issues for workers such as food delivery couriers. In its expert appraisal, ANSES highlights the health consequences for workers who deliver food on two wheels in urban areas while being subject to algorithmic management. These couriers experience both short- and long-term effects related in particular to constant pressure, isolation and a difficult working environment; for example, they are prone to road accidents, stress, exhaustion and musculoskeletal disorders. To protect the health and improve the safety of food delivery couriers in France, ANSES recommends that the application of the health and safety provisions set out for employees in the French Labour Code be made mandatory for these workers.

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.

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.

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.

In order to better inform consumers about the health and environmental hazards of household products, ANSES is proposing to categorise these products in order to establish a labelling standard for them. This work is also aimed at encouraging manufacturers to improve the composition of their products.

After having shown that resorcinol affects thyroid function, with harmful effects, the Agency is putting forward a proposal to classify this substance as an endocrine disruptor for human health. This was made possible by the recent creation of this hazard class in the CLP Regulation (the European Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging). Since 20 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.

‘Ultra-processed’ foods are part of the food supply, but they also raise some health concerns. That being said, the concept of ultra-processing has yet to be scientifically substantiated. In light of this, ANSES has reviewed the available studies on the subject. Its expert appraisal identified several signals suggesting a relationship between the consumption of such foods and a higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Now, the challenge is to identify the mechanisms that underlie these risks. Among the avenues to be explored, the Agency recommends focusing on the effects of new substances that can form during food processing. It also stresses that other courses of action should be considered to improve nutrition in the population.

Cases of foot-and-mouth disease were detected on a water buffalo farm in Germany on 10 January. This is the first outbreak in Germany since 1988, and in the European Union since 2011. Although no other cases have been detected so far, ANSES, through its Laboratory for Animal Health, stands ready to take action to prevent the spread of the disease. This article explains its role and missions.

Glyoxylic acid, a chemical used in hair-straightening products (also known as hair relaxers), can cause acute kidney failure: this was confirmed by ANSES after it examined the available scientific data on its toxicity. The Agency believes that a ruling is needed on restricting or even banning the use of this substance in hair care products. Pending regulatory measures, it recommends avoiding the use of hair-straightening products containing glyoxylic acid. It also urges the companies marketing hair care products containing this substance to re-examine their safety.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations that can have very serious consequences for the development of a newborn’s brain and spinal cord. To improve the prevention of these defects, ANSES recommends fortifying wheat flour with folic acid, the synthetic form of vitamin B9, in addition to vitamin B9 supplementation for women planning a pregnancy. This measure would compensate for the inadequate vitamin B9 intake of these women, which is one of the main risk factors for NTDs in unborn children. The Agency’s expert appraisal on the prevention of NTDs included an initial socio-economic analysis of various options for action and recommended a stakeholder consultation, with a public health objective of scaling up prevention.