French authorities have issued an Order dated April 17, 2026, renewing for an additional year the suspension of the importation, introduction, and marketing of food supplements containing the plant Garcinia cambogia Desr. and all preparations derived from any part of this plant. This renewed suspension is effective nationwide in France from April 18, 2026, until April 18, 2027. [1]
The original prohibition was introduced by Order of April 15, 2025, following urgent recommendations from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES). The initial one-year suspension ran from April 17, 2025, to April 17, 2026. It required all food supplements containing Garcinia cambogia to be withdrawn from all points of sale across France and recalled from consumers. Companies responsible for the initial marketing of these products were also required to issue warnings to consumers, informing them about the dangerous nature of these supplements and advising against their use.
Background and Health Risks
The ban was originally introduced due to acute health risks linked to the consumption of Garcinia cambogia-containing supplements. In its Recommendations of March 2025, ANSES identified serious adverse effects, including cases of acute hepatitis—even in individuals with no prior medical history—mental disorders, heart problems, and muscle damage. ANSES strongly advised the public against consuming supplements containing this plant.
The active compound responsible for the purported weight-loss effects of Garcinia cambogia is hydroxycitric acid (HCA), found in the fruit of the plant. The suspension acts as a precautionary measure while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) continues its assessment of HCA intake. EFSA’s ongoing evaluation may lead to EU-wide restrictions or bans on this substance and herbal preparations containing it, including Garcinia cambogia.
Implications for Companies
With the renewal of the suspension, Garcinia cambogia remains a prohibited plant in food supplements in France until April 18, 2027. Companies involved in importing, selling, or marketing these supplements must continue to:
- 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 this renewed national precautionary measure in accordance with EU General Food Law procedures. Inspection services will continue to monitor compliance with the ban and ensure prompt recall of all Garcinia cambogia-containing supplements from the market.
This renewed measure reflects the continuing precautionary approach of French authorities to protect consumers from potentially severe health risks while awaiting EFSA’s comprehensive risk assessment of hydroxycitric acid and related plant preparations.
[1] https://agriculture.gouv.fr/securite-sanitaire-des-aliments-interdiction-des-complements-alimentaires-contenant-la-plante
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