France, Jan. 7 -- The decree, published on Wednesday, prohibits food imports containing traces of the fungicides mancozeb, thiophanate-methyl, carbendazim and benomyl, as well as the herbicide glufosinate.

These substances, used on crops ranging from avocados and mangos to wheat, soybeans and potatoes, are already banned for use within the EU because of health and environmental risks, but were previously tolerated at low residue levels on imported produce.

According to the agriculture ministry, France now considers those maximum residue levels too high and wants to ensure that foods entering its market respect the same safety standards as those applied to domestic production.

Enhanced border checks are expected to follow, with official...