Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she will take or has taken to ensure the authenticity of food labelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12471/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for general food labelling policy rests with the Department of Health and Children. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is responsible for the labelling of fish and aqua products and my Department is responsible for more detailed legislation on the labelling of specific food products including beef and poultry meat. The enforcement of all food labelling regulations has been centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI. This not only streamlines the enforcement measures but it also provides a one-stop shop for any complaints on mislabelling of food.

Consumers must be confident that Irish food business operators not only produce safe food but food which is properly labelled. The FSAI conducts audits to make sure that consumers' interests are protected by ensuring adequate enforcement of regulations in this area by the various state agencies concerned.