The norm for acceptable levels of nitrates in drinking water has come under heavy criticism. It resulted from a study carried out in the 1960's, which new data has now contradicted. Some excellent committees of experts consider that there is no danger in using hormones to stimulate beef growth. Other, equally qualified committees, disagree. One Salmonella may replace another by Olivier Blond Science is still far from completing the list of Salmonella, which are the leading causes of food-borne infection in France.
Personal precautions remain the most effective line of defense.
WHO recently reduced its recommended levels. An Inserm report sums up the situation in France. The objective is to place its expert assessments above all criticism. The new passwords are reliability, transparency and independence. Last November, Commissioner David Byrne proposed the formation of the European Union Food Authority.