Political principle

In the past, solid knowledge was required before taking public action to regulate or prevent collective risks. This is no longer enough, and we need to learn to act before we know. Under the Barnier law, the precautionary principle allows public authorities to suspend the marketing of products likely to harm public health. However, such measures must be proportionate to the risks involved. For politicians, the precautionary principle is an attempt to protect ourselves collectively.

The law does not settle matters by laying down absolute prescriptions and prohibitions that short-circuit all debate. It invites those in charge to weigh up various elements and not to decide alone on behalf of everyone. It takes a procedural...