France has issued an Order dated April 15, 2025, which suspends for one year the importation, introduction, and marketing—whether free or paid—of food supplements containing the plant Garcinia cambogia and all preparations derived from any part of this plant. This suspension is effective nationwide in France from April 17, 2025, until April 17, 2026.[1]
All food supplements containing Garcinia cambogia must be withdrawn from all points of sale across France and recalled from consumers who have purchased them. Moreover, companies responsible for the initial marketing of these products are required to issue warnings to consumers, informing them about the dangerous nature of these supplements and advising against their use.
This ban was introduced due to acute health risks linked to the consumption of Garcinia cambogia-containing supplements. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) issued recommendations in March 2025, identifying serious adverse effects, including acute hepatitis—even in individuals without prior medical history—mental disorders, heart problems, and muscle damage. ANSES strongly advised the public against consuming supplements containing this plant.[2]
The suspension also acts as a precautionary measure while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) continues its assessment of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the active compound in Garcinia cambogia fruit responsible for its purported weight-loss effects. EFSA’s ongoing evaluation may lead to EU-wide restrictions or bans on HCA and preparations containing it, including Garcinia cambogia.[3]
Implications for Companies
Until April 17, 2026, Garcinia cambogia is prohibited in food supplements in France. Companies involved in importing, selling, or marketing these supplements must:
- Withdraw all such products from every point of sale in France;
- Recall all distributed products from consumers; and
- Issue warnings to consumers about the health risks and advise against using these products.
Additional Context
The French government has notified the European Commission of ANSES’ findings and the urgent need for coordinated European action. Inspection services will monitor compliance with the ban and ensure prompt recall of all Garcinia cambogia-containing supplements from the market.
This measure reflects a precautionary approach to protect consumers from potentially severe health risks while awaiting EFSA’s comprehensive risk assessment of hydroxycitric acid and related plant preparations.
[1] https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000051478481
[2] https://www.anses.fr/en/content/do-not-consume-food-supplements-containing-garcinia-cambogia
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