France Tightens Food Import Checks

The French government announced Sunday a sweeping tightening of food import inspections to address growing concerns from farmers protesting the planned European trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc.

French farmers have staged demonstrations against what they describe as unfair competition from countries with looser agricultural and food safety regulations. Concerns also include measures to contain livestock diseases.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard emphasised that the new checks aim to ensure that imported food products comply with EU safety standards, particularly regarding substances banned in European food production. A decree will soon suspend imports of certain items already known to contain prohibited chemicals.

“Imports, regardless of origin, must meet our standards. France is setting a European precedent with this unprecedented decree covering more than a dozen food products,” Genevard wrote on X.

She added that melons, apples, apricots, cherries, strawberries, grapes, and potatoes will only be sold in France if free from residues of banned substances. Other products from South America, including avocados, mangos, guavas, and certain citrus fruits, will also face strict compliance checks.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu underlined that imported products containing traces of weed and fungus killers, including mancozeb, glufosinate, thiophanate-methyl, and carbendazim, all banned in Europe, will be blocked from entry.

While Germany and Spain support the Mercosur trade deal, French opponents argue it could flood the market with cheaper South American commodities, particularly beef, that fail to meet EU environmental and food safety standards.

“Protecting our farmers, safeguarding public health, and ensuring fair competition is non-negotiable. The European Commission must ensure these standards are applied broadly. If necessary, France will act again,” Genevard concluded.