Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if is satisfied that food labelling and traceability is being fully observed here and throughout the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40852/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The enforcement of food labelling regulations is centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) who ensure that the appropriate controls are carried out by the relevant official agencies. The official agencies include the Health Service Executive, my Department, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the local authorities.

My Department is in regular contact with officials of the FSAI in relation to the enforcement of food legislation, including legislation governing food labelling and traceability. I am satisfied that proper controls are in place to ensure compliance with this legislation is so far as my Department is concerned.

Other Member States within the European Union must comply with the same European legislation governing food labelling and traceability, the enforcement of which is a matter for each Member State. The European Commissions Food and Veterinary Office audits Member States to verify that such legislation is properly enforced and their reports are published on their website.