The French government has asked the national health council ANSES to investigate the exposure of florists to pesticides. This was reported by French media.
ANSES will be mapping the risks faced by professionals working with flowers. If necessary, the government will subsequently introduce measures to protect florists and make recommendations for regulations. The investigation was commissioned by the Ministries of Agriculture and Labour, who point out that there are currently no regulations regarding pesticide residues on cut flowers sold commercially in France.
“Since flowers from third countries are not subject to any regulations, we have no information about the substances used, and no controls are carried out,” said the Ministers of Agriculture and Labour. ANSES is developing a protocol for field measurements and conducting tests to see if florists are contaminated. The council is working with customs, the labour inspection, and management services.