France Moves to Limit Cadmium in Fertilizers

(MENAFN) France’s National Assembly approved new legislation on Wednesday designed to reduce public exposure to cadmium, a hazardous heavy metal associated with cancer and other serious health conditions. The measure tightens restrictions on cadmium levels in phosphate-based fertilizers.

The bill passed its first reading with 144 votes in favor and 22 against, despite opposition from the government. Officials argued that the timeline was overly ambitious and could harm the competitiveness of French agriculture, according to a media outlet.

Introduced by Green Party lawmaker Benoit Biteau, the proposal gained support from left-wing parties as well as members of centrist groups including MoDem, Horizons, and Renaissance. The legislation will now advance to the Senate for further consideration.

Cadmium builds up in farmland through phosphate fertilizers and can eventually enter the food supply. According to France’s national health agency ANSES, food is the main source of cadmium exposure in the country, particularly through cereals such as wheat and rice.

Prolonged exposure to cadmium is recognized as carcinogenic and can also lead to kidney damage, reproductive issues, and weakened bones. In 2025, ANSES reported that nearly half of France’s population had cadmium exposure levels above recommended health limits.

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