Judgment_paragraph 43 · Criminal proceedings against Mathieu Blaise and Others (C-616/17)

43That principle entails that, where there is uncertainty as to the existence or extent of risks to human health, protective measures may be taken without having to wait until the reality and seriousness of those risks become fully apparent. Where it proves to be impossible to determine with certainty the existence or extent of the alleged risk because the results of studies conducted are inconclusive, but the likelihood of real harm to public health persists should the risk materialise, the precautionary principle justifies the adoption of restrictive measures (see, to that effect, judgments of 22 December 2010, Gowan Comércio Internacional e Serviços, C‑77/09, EU:C:2010:803, paragraphs 73 and 76; of 17 December 2015, Neptune Distribution, C‑157/14, EU:C:2015:823, paragraphs 81 and 82; and of 22 November 2018, Swedish Match, C‑151/17, EU:C:2018:938, paragraph 38).