Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on its report into breaches of food labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28436/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 761: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the enforcement of the food labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28435/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 761 together.

The enforcement of food labelling legislation is included in the service contracts between the official agencies and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The official agencies include the Health Service Executive, the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the local authorities.

The Department of Health and Children is in touch with officials of the FSAI on an ongoing basis, and regular meetings are held to discuss a wide range of issues including labelling. Any issues which arise in relation to the enforcement of food legislation, including enforcement and breaches of labelling legislation, are discussed where necessary, in this context.

I assume that the Deputy in his question is referring to the "Report of the Food Safety of Authority of Ireland Audit to determine compliance with Labelling and Traceability Requirements". This was an internal report following a small scale audit undertaken by the FSAI in 2004, which drew attention to some deficiencies in traceability and labelling regimes. In discussions with the Department, the FSAI has confirmed that the official agencies were provided with a report on the premises under their supervision which were visited as part of the audit. Follow up action, by way of additional visits and inspections were undertaken, and I have been assured that the matters which required attention have now been rectified.

While the bulk of control in relation to food labelling is carried out by staff in the official agencies as part of the routine official control programme, the Deputy may wish to note that the Authority has indicated that a series of checks will be conducted this year on various sectors of the food industry. The results of these audits will be published and, where a deliberate intention to mislead the consumer is found, action will be taken against the food businesses concerned.