France tightens checks on food imports amid farmers' opposition to Mercosur

French farmers have been protesting against the Mercosur trade alliance with South America countries, which they see as unfair competition. AP - Michel Euler

The French government has said it is tightening checks on around a dozen food ⁠imports in a bid to ease concerns of farmers who have been protesting at what they say is unfair competition from countries with looser regulations.

French farmers have been protesting over a ​planned European trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc, and other issues ‍including measures to contain outbreaks of lumpy skin disease which have led to the culling of livestock.