Despite the high percentage of imported flowers, there are no laws regulating pesticide residues on cut flowers sold in France.

This initiative was prompted by the tragic testimony of Laure Marivain, a former florist whose daughter Emmy died from leukemia linked to in utero pesticide exposure, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

Marivain criticized the delay in addressing this problem, noting that the state has been aware of the risks since at least 2017, leading to serious health consequences for florists.

Currently, approximately 85% of flowers sold in France are imported, primarily from countries outside the European Union, where pesticides that are banned in the EU are often used.

The French ministries have indicated that flowers imported from third countries are not subject to EU regulations, resulting in a lack of information about the pesticides used and insufficient control over them.

The French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses) is set to conduct a study evaluating health risks for florists and wholesalers exposed to pesticides in cut flowers.

The study is set to span 21 months, initially focusing on understanding the risks faced by professionals before identifying protective measures and potential regulatory changes.

The mission to conduct this study was officially assigned to Anses on December 10, 2024, following a report by the association Robin des Bois.

The study follows revelations regarding the health risks associated with pesticide exposure, recognized by the Fund for Victims of Pesticides (FIVP).

Anses' study aims to assess pesticide exposure and propose regulatory changes to enhance protection for workers in the floral industry.

To evaluate pesticide exposure, Anses may employ methods such as skin patches, blood or urine analyses, and air quality measurements.

In the future, Anses may recommend banning the import of flowers grown with carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxic pesticides.