Over 1,000 researchers, doctors, and healthcare professionals published an open letter on Monday addressed to France’s Ministers of Health, Agriculture, Labour, and the Environment — the four government bodies overseeing the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses), reports RFI.
The letter, according to French public broadcaster France Inter, strongly criticises a proposed law by Senator Laurent Duplomb.
The signatories warn that the bill could significantly weaken Anses’ authority and jeopardise public health by paving the way for the reintroduction of long-banned pesticides.
Supported by organisations such as Médecins du Monde and Alerte des Médecins sur les Pesticides, the letter is being circulated as lawmakers begin debating Duplomb’s bill.
The legislation, which is scheduled for review by the National Assembly on Tuesday, includes controversial measures such as the creation of an agricultural advisory board with powers to prioritise certain pesticides — even without safer alternatives.