Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

France Warns of Poisoning Risk from Wild Asparagus

4/15/2025

38 5

Summary

Story summary

The French National Health and Safety Agency (Anses) has raised alarms over 48 reported poisoning cases tied to wild asparagus, also known as "wood asparagus," over the past decade. Laboratory tests revealed irritating calcium oxalate crystals in the samples, sparking fears among growers about the potential confusion with cultivated asparagus and its impact on the market.

1 of 1

Story summary

The French National Health and Safety Agency (Anses) has raised alarms over 48 reported poisoning cases tied to wild asparagus, also known as "wood asparagus," over the past decade. Laboratory tests revealed irritating calcium oxalate crystals in the samples, sparking fears among growers about the potential confusion with cultivated asparagus and its impact on the market.