How to Report a Food Safety Issue in France (and When You Should)

Learn when and how to report unsafe or contaminated food in France. Step-by-step guidance on using RappelConso, SignalConso, and DGCCRF channels.

If you’ve ever opened a product that looked or smelled wrong, spotted mould where there shouldn’t be any, or discovered an undeclared allergen, France gives you clear channels to report it. Knowing how to raise the alarm properly protects not only you but thousands of other consumers — and helps regulators maintain one of Europe’s most transparent food-safety systems.

When to Report a Problem

Not every odd taste or texture means a health hazard. The authorities recommend reporting when there is a reasonable risk to health — such as signs of bacterial contamination, foreign objects, mislabelling, or allergens not mentioned on the packaging. If you or someone in your household becomes ill after eating a product, seek medical attention first, then keep the packaging and receipt for investigation.

Step 1 — Check for an Existing Recall

Before filing a new complaint, verify whether the product is already subject to a recall. The official site RappelConso lists every current alert in France, updated daily by the DGCCRF and other public services. You can search by brand, batch number, or keyword. If the product appears there, follow the instructions for return or refund.

Step 2 — Contact the Seller or Manufacturer

If no recall is listed, inform the retailer or brand directly. French consumer law obliges them to log and forward all food-safety complaints to the competent authority. Most major chains provide online forms under “Qualité” or “Contact” on their websites; smaller producers or local shops may handle reports by phone or email.

Step 3 — Notify the DGCCRF or Local Health Services

For serious or widespread concerns, you can file a report with the DGCCRF via the government portal SignalConso.gouv.fr. The form allows you to attach photos, describe symptoms, and identify the point of sale. Regional services of the DDPP (Direction Départementale de la Protection des Populations) may then investigate, collect samples, or trigger a formal recall.

Step 4 — Keep Evidence and Follow Updates

Keep packaging, expiry dates, and receipts until you receive confirmation that your report has been processed. If the issue escalates into a public recall, your case can help speed up identification. You can track national alerts through RappelConso or sign up for notices on Service-Public.fr.

Why It Matters

France’s consumer-protection model relies on citizen participation. Prompt reporting helps remove unsafe products quickly and maintains public trust in food producers. For expats unfamiliar with French bureaucracy, the process may appear formal — but each step is designed to ensure accountability and transparency.

For more practical advice, see our related guide: France’s Food Recall System: How RappelConso Keeps Consumers Informed.