Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding labelling requirements for country markets; and if additional requirements, similar to those imposed on big commercial enterprises, are not imposed on these market suppliers. [31705/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The general labelling of foodstuffs in this country is controlled under the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2002 to 2005. The regulations apply to the labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer or for supply to mass caterers. The principle underlying food labelling is that the purchaser must not be misled. Therefore, pre-packaged food sold at markets is not exempt from the labelling requirements which apply to such food sold by other means. However, foodstuffs sold loose — without pre-packaging — such as olives sold from drums or cheese sliced at the request of the consumer need only indicate the name of the food, either on the label or displayed on a notice near the food.