The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) undertakes independent and pluralistic scientific expert assessments. Its primary task is to ensure human health and safety with regard to the environment, the workplace, and food. 

ANSES includes nine laboratories that conduct analytical reference, research, surveillance, and expert appraisal missions in the areas of food safety, animal health and welfare, and plant health. 

The Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort (PPN) Laboratory specialises in the health and welfare of poultry, rabbits, pigs, ruminants and farmed fish. It contributes to improving animal welfare and health and the quality of food of animal origin, and to the study of working conditions in livestock farming. The Laboratory has over 210 staff members at its three sites in PPN. 

Since January 2020, ANSES has been coordinating the EU reference center for the welfare of poultry and other small farm animals (EURCAW).