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.

Reducing added sugars in food is one of the main strategies for preventing obesity and diabetes. ANSES has produced a comprehensive report on trends in the use of sweetening ingredients or ingredients conveying sweetness – sugar, glucose, glucose-fructose syrups, honey, fruit juices, caramel, artificial sweeteners, etc. – in beverages and processed foods. It examined the ingredient lists on more than 54,000 products on the market between 2008 and 2020, identified by OQALI, the French Food Observatory. This report shows that the majority of products, even savoury products, contained at least one sweetening ingredient or ingredient conveying sweetness. However, the Agency notes a decline in the use of sweetening ingredients over the last 10 years, particularly sugar syrups and artificial sweeteners. ANSES also stresses that it is possible to further reduce the use of sweetening ingredients in products.

New genomic techniques (NGTs) offer a vast range of applications, especially in the breeding of cultivated plants. Similar to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but nevertheless distinct from transgenic plants, these applications require careful consideration with a view to their possible arrival on the European market. Within the scope of its missions, ANSES conducted an expert appraisal of the challenges associated with these NGTs in order to provide the authorities and stakeholders with insights for the current discussions on changes to the European GMO framework. The Agency proposed adapting the assessment of these plants on a case-by-case basis, using a graduated approach, and recommended a comprehensive monitoring scheme. In addition to the health challenges, ANSES also identified various socio-economic motivations and concerns associated with NGTs in agriculture, and called for future decisions to be based on a democratic debate that goes beyond the risks and considers all the issues at stake.

The widespread adoption of teleworking and related technologies has had major consequences for the organisation of work. ANSES has examined the potential effects of teleworking on the health of workers, based on a study undertaken at its request by the Environmental and Occupational Health Research Institute (IRSET) that reviewed the available knowledge on the topic. The Agency has identified some potential health effects associated with the development of this form of work organisation and is reiterating the need for further research in this area, to be able to identify and assess risks in order to better prevent them.

The geographical range of pine and oak processionary caterpillars in France has been changing in recent years as a result of climate change. Their presence, along with that of other stinging caterpillars, poses a risk to human and animal health. ANSES has assessed the risk of population exposure by municipality in mainland France and Corsica, in order to adapt the prevention and control measures to be applied in the field.

ANSES is publishing two opinions on the safety of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs). These active substances are used in plant protection products to combat fungi that are harmful to crops. After reviewing all the available data, the Agency recommends adjusting certain toxicity reference values intended to protect human health. These conclusions will be presented at European level. ANSES has also assessed the risks to consumers associated with residues of various SDHIs in food. It does not highlight any health concerns arising from the cumulative ingestion of residues in food in light of the adjusted toxicity values.

Between January 2018 and June 2023, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) and the poison control centres registered 163 cases of poisoning related to SNIPER 1000 EC DDVP. This product contains the insecticide dichlorvos, which is banned in France.