informed decisions. It is a public authority accountable to the French Ministries of Health, Agriculture, the Environment, Labour and Consumer Affairs.

Through its surveillance, expert appraisal, research and reference activities, ANSES fully addresses all the risks (microbiological, physical and chemical) to which a person may be exposed, intentionally or otherwise, at all stages of life, whether in the workplace, while travelling, during leisure time, or through diet. It implements impartial and pluralistic scientific expert assessments by expert groups, while taking into account the socio-economic aspects of risk. The Agency relies on a network of 11 reference and research laboratories that are internationally recognised in a number of different areas and disciplines. ANSES has a staff of 1,350 and mobilises approximately 800 outside experts via its expert committees.

Moreover, ANSES has authority in the veterinary drug field and it also evaluates applications for the marketing of pesticides and biocides, in addition to chemicals, within the framework of the REACh regulation. It works in partnership with numerous national and international organisations.

ANSES is highly open to society, and provides amply for discussions with all of its stakeholders. It offers an open forum for sharing its information with a variety of different players, including associations, the scientific community, local authorities, trade unions, etc.