Amid ongoing protests against a proposed trade deal between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American nations, the French government said on Sunday it would tighten inspections on several imported food products. The effort aims to address concerns raised by farmers about competition from countries with looser pesticide and herbicide regulations.
Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said the new controls will ensure that food imported from outside the EU does not contain substances banned in EU production. A forthcoming decree will announce a suspension of imports for certain food products already identified as containing those banned substances.
“Imports, regardless of where they come from, must comply with our standards. France is setting an example in Europe by issuing this unprecedented decree that concerns more than a dozen food products,” Genevard wrote on X.
She said items such as melons, apples, apricots, cherries, strawberries, grapes, and potatoes would only be sold in France if they are free of residues from banned substances. Avocados, mangos, guavas, and certain citrus fruits would face similar requirements.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that products containing traces of four substances—mancozeb, glufosinate, thiophanate-methyl, and carbendazim—will be blocked. These chemicals are prohibited under EU regulations.
While Germany and Spain support the Mercosur trade agreement, French critics argue that it would allow lower-standard agricultural imports, especially beef, that do not meet EU food safety and environmental requirements.
“Protecting our farmers, guaranteeing the health of French people, and making sure our rules are respected—this is non-negotiable,” Genevard said. “It is up to the European Commission to make sure this is generalised across the board. If necessary, we will do it again.”
