ANSES Identifies Adverse Effects from Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake Supplements
France's ANSES agency has issued an opinion detailing adverse effects linked to supplements containing Shiitake, Reishi, and Maitake mushrooms, prompting a review of product formulations and labelling. The report highlights dermatological, hepatic, and gastrointestinal issues observed through nutrivigilance data.
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Paris, France — 19 October 2026
France's Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail (ANSES) has released an opinion (reference NUT-2022-AUTO-0158) concerning adverse effects associated with food supplements containing Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms. The report, based on nutrivigilance data and signed on 1st October 2026, identifies a range of adverse reactions, primarily dermatological, hepatic, and gastrointestinal.
ANSES’s review signals a heightened scrutiny on the safety profiles of these popular functional mushroom ingredients, which are increasingly incorporated into dietary supplements. The agency's findings indicate that while these mushrooms are often consumed for their purported health benefits, a significant number of adverse event reports warrant closer regulatory attention. Specific concerns include skin reactions, liver function disturbances, and digestive discomfort reported by consumers.
This advisory comes from the Human Nutrition expert committee and underscores a proactive stance by French authorities regarding supplement safety. The detailed opinion will likely inform future regulatory guidelines or restrictions on the use, dosage, or required warnings for these mushroom extracts within food supplements marketed in France. Supplement manufacturers and brand owners are now compelled to assess their product portfolios against these emerging safety concerns to ensure continued market compliance and consumer trust.
What this means for France
French brand owners must immediately audit existing product ranges containing Shiitake, Reishi, and Maitake to identify potential compliance gaps with new ANSES guidelines. Reformulation or enhanced warning labels will be mandatory for products identified as posing risks, impacting product development cycles by an estimated 3-6 months. Procurement leads should anticipate potential supply chain disruptions or increased costs for alternative mushroom extracts or enhanced quality control testing, specifically for contaminants or allergens. Competitively, brands demonstrating robust safety data and transparent labelling for these ingredients will gain a significant advantage in the French market, especially in Q1 2027.
The ANSES opinion provides specific keywords including 'adverse effects', 'nutrivigilance', and the scientific names of the mushrooms, indicating a thorough investigation. This level of detail suggests that any subsequent regulatory actions will be precise, affecting specific mushroom species rather than broad categories. Industry operators should prepare for potential requests for additional safety data from national competent authorities, aligning with the precautionary principle often applied in European food and supplement regulation.
This trend is being actively addressed by UK manufacturing partners including Supplement Factory.