French Assembly Passes Cadmium Limits Bill Against Government Advice

The Assemblée Nationale passed a bill on June 3 to lower the maximum level of cadmium authorized in phosphate fertilizers. The measure sets a limit of 40 mg/kg from 2027 and 20 mg/kg by 2030, down from the current 90 mg/kg. The bill was presented by Green MP Benoît Biteau and MP Clémentine Autain.

It passed with 144 votes in favor and 22 against, against the government's advice. The far-right bloc and one conservative MP opposed the legislation. The bill will now be examined in the Sénat. A Green protest took place on the Esplanade des Invalides on June 2 ahead of the debate.

Benoît Biteau attended the demonstration. ANSES issued its first warnings about cadmium overexposure in the French population fifteen years before June 2026. The bill is the first legislation aimed at reducing health risks from cadmium contamination.

Cadmium is a highly toxic metal found in everyday foods including breakfast cereals, bread, pasta and potatoes. Benoît Biteau said the mobilization of civil society and scientists had paid off to protect health, especially that of children. Biteau's bill received support from citizens' petitions signed by families affected by pancreatic cancer and from medical associations.

The protest photograph was taken by Simon Wohlfahrt for AFP.