Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that food labelling is adequate to accurately reflect the origins of the produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14582/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The general labelling regulations covering all food sold in Ireland require that the information be given clearly, accurately and in a language understood by the consumer. European Directive 2000/13/EC on the labelling of foodstuffs requires prepackaged foodstuffs to carry information on the source or place of origin only where its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree on the origin of foodstuffs or their raw materials.

The Community labelling requirements apply to all meat products and are compulsory in all member states. In addition, there are further labelling requirements that apply to beef sold at retail level regardless of whether that beef was produced within the Community or in a third country. Where beef is imported into the Community from a third country that beef must at a minimum be labelled as "Origin: non-EC" along with an indication of the third country in which slaughter took place. This detailed labelling system for beef sold at retail level, goes beyond the general labelling legislation provisions. While these EU regulations do not apply at restaurant and catering sector level, it is my intention to proceed with a national legal requirement that country of origin must be displayed in respect of beef sold in such premises and outlets. An internal committee has been established in my Department to consider the options.

I believe consumers should be given maximum information on the origin of the food they are purchasing. I have joined with other member states in urging the Commission to examine EU labelling provisions to facilitate this.