The science behind acetamiprid’s toxicity is contested. In 2024, the European Food Safety Authority proposed drastically lowering recommended daily intake doses, citing “major uncertainties” about the substance’s effect on the nervous system’s development — while stopping short of calling for a ban.

France’s National Order of Physicians has come out against the Loi Duplomb, writing in a statement that “doubt is not reasonable when it comes to substances that may expose the population to major risks: neurodevelopmental disorders, pediatric cancers, chronic diseases.”

The historic success of the petition against the Loi Duplomb was fueled by high-profile opposition from celebrities, movie stars and influencers. | Jerome Gilles/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Some lab and animal studies suggest acetamiprid may cause DNA damage or act as a hormone disruptor — both potential cancer pathways — but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has concluded it’s “not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.”

Macron has delayed responding to the viral petition until after the Constitutional Council issues its ruling.

Two constitutional challenges were filed against the law — one citing environmental rights, the other criticizing the fast-tracked process used to bypass a debate in the National Assembly.

If the court green-lights the Loi Duplomb, Macron will be left with few options. Because the petition passed the 500,000-signature threshold, it may trigger a parliamentary debate — though there’s no obligation to hold a new vote, since the law has already passed.

Macron could also choose not to enact the bill — an extremely rare move that could open him up to accusations of defying the legislature’s authority.

Whatever happens, the controversy is likely to continue dogging the French president. Even within his own ranks, divisions are clear: During the final vote last month, 26 of the 176 MPs in the three-party coalition backing Macron voted against the bill, while 15 abstained.