John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to ensure that country of origin labelling is clear and transparent to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3569/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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EU food labelling legislation is harmonised by Council Directive 2000/13/EC, as amended. That directive — as amended — has been transposed into national legislation by the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2002 to 2005. These regulations apply to the labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer, or for supply to mass caterers, and are based on the principle that food labelling should not mislead consumers.

Labelling rules are designed to inform consumers so that they can make informed choices. Currently, origin labelling is not required for pre-packaged food unless its absence misleads the consumer. Thus, for example, where other particulars such as a flag or a map other than that of the country of origin are displayed on a label, the true country of origin must be clearly declared to ensure that the consumer is not misled as to the true origin or provenance of the food.

Discussions have now commenced on the review of the European horizontal food labelling legislation and country of origin labelling will be considered in this context. Following consideration of the responses received to the national consultation undertaken last year by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on foot of a European Commission consultative document, and following discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Food, my Department's position is that consideration should be given to the extension of food labelling legislation to provide for a clear indication of the country of origin for all meat and products made substantially from meat.