The trend is zero waste. More than just a fad, reducing waste is a necessity. And buying in bulk is one of the best ways to help. Each year, there is the equivalent of 20kg per inhabitant of food waste according to the French Environment and Energy Defense Agency (Ademe).
In August 2021, waste was even the subject of a law : the law to combat waste and the circular economy, called the “AGEC law”. In particular, it provides for and regulates the bulk sale of “any everyday consumer product”.
At the end of 2021, ANSES responded to this law by issuing a note highlighting products that are incompatible with bulk sales. The agency also gave several recommendations and best practices to adopt, in order to guarantee the sanitary safety of the products. Primarily intended for distributors and public authorities, this report also concerns consumers, the primary player in health safety.
What exactly is bulk selling?
Bulk sale is defined by the “AGEC law” thanks to three major criteria: it must be presented without packaging, sold in the quantity chosen by the consumer, and finally, in reusable or reusable containers. In most supermarkets or specialized stores, it is self-service and may occasionally be an assisted service, ie an intermediary is responsible for handling the products for the consumer.
Bulk sales most often concern products such as dried fruits (hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, etc.), condiments (spices, sugar, flour), starches and legumes (pasta, rice, quinoa, lentils) , but also hygiene products (shampoo or soap) and maintenance (detergent).
According to the “AGEC law”, dated August 22, 2021, “any everyday consumer product can be sold in bulk, except for exceptions duly justified by public health reasons“. A detailed definition by ANSES in its report, in which the Agency proposes a list of products to be examined in more detail.
What commodities cannot be sold in bulk?
For reasons of hygienic safety, some products can only be sold with their packagingi.e. liquid dairy products, infant formula, frozen products and food supplements.
ANSES also requests that all products containing alcohol, wines and spirits as well as chemical substances such as detergents are not recommended for sale in bulk. All hygiene products that cannot be washed beforehand, such as baby diapers or sanitary protection, are also to be avoided according to the Agency.
Certain products may be sold in bulk on the sole condition that the sale be assisted or accompanied by a seller. This is the case for perishable foodstuffs such as meat, fish and certain dairy products.
The consumer, actor of health safety
In its report, ANSES strongly encourages distributors to draw up a guide to good hygiene practices for consumers, but it also urges consumers to address this issue. Indeed, it is one of the main players in health security.
When making purchases, the consumer must make sure to bring a clean container. For example, a container that has undergone insufficient drying multiplies the risk of microbacterial proliferation. The protective function of the container is then reduced.
In the same way, the consumer must necessarily bring a container adapted to the product. Materials in contact with food should not be a health hazard. Thus, they must comply with one of the following three indications: the stemmed glass/fork symbol, the words “suitable for food” or a special mention for the intended use.
To use it, it is preferable that the consumer does not touch the product directly with his hands, but rather with the shovels or tongs made available to him, and cleaned by the distributor. Likewise, it is advisable not to invert them, so as not to expose other consumers to potential allergies or intolerances.
More communication around products
Finally, ANSES would like to increase communication around these products and help better inform the consumer. Implementation of labels indicating the duration of consumption, the instructions for use of the products and identification elements allowing product recalls if necessary.
Sources:
- Reducing food waste, ADEME report, November 2020
- Note from ANSES on a draft decree providing for a list of exceptions to the bulk sale obligation provided for in Art. L. 120-1 of the Consumer Code for public health reasons, November 2021
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- Food poisoning: what symptoms should you worry about?
