At the end of March, France's Food, Environment and Work Safety Authority (ANSES) issued an urgent alert, warning that almost half of the French population had been exposed to excessive concentrations of cadmium.
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction. It builds up gradually in the body, particularly in the kidneys and bones, and is cleared only very slowly. Long-term exposure has been linked, among other things, to kidney damage, osteoporosis, and a heightened risk of various cancers.
While cadmium occurs naturally in soil, water, and air, industrial activity and agriculture have pushed its concentrations higher. Phosphate fertilisers play a particular role, since they contain cadmium that accumulates in the soil over time. From there the metal enters the food chain, taken up by crops such as wheat, potatoes, vegetables and cocoa.
In France, most cadmium exposure comes through food. One reason is the use of phosphate fertilisers imported from regions where cadmium content is high. France also permits higher fertiliser levels than European standards recommend.
Luxembourg, in contrast, found no issues during inspections carried out by the Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) in recent years, as its authorities adhere to European rules. Between 2009 and 2024, more than 1,500 food samples were analysed.
Only a handful exceeded the legal limits. Higher levels were noted in wheat-based baby foods, shiitake mushrooms, cocoa powder, spinach and algae, and in those cases the products were withdrawn from the market. A 2022 European study also indicates that Luxembourg is far less affected than its neighbours, with only 4.6% of adults showing high cadmium levels, compared with 38% in France.
According to Luxembourg's Health Ministry, the single most important step is to stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. A varied and balanced diet is also advisable, and there is no need to cut out particular foods entirely. People who grow their own vegetables are encouraged to use fertilisers sparingly and to have their soil tested if they suspect contamination.
The National Health Laboratory (LNS) is currently taking part in a European study aimed at better understanding the population's exposure to chemicals. You can take part in the survey here.
