Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Government's attention has been drawn to the potential damage that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's proposed nutrient levels in the response from Ireland in relation to the discussion paper on the setting of maximum and minimum amounts for vitamins and minerals in foodstuffs under the EU Food Supplements Directive could do to the Irish natural products industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8677/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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In August and September 2006 the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) undertook a public consultation on the DG Sanco discussion paper on the setting of maximum amounts for vitamins and minerals in foodstuffs. An Irish response which took account of stakeholder comments and of scientific input from the FSAI was forwarded to DG Sanco in November 2006.

The FSAI input, in summary, advised the following positions which are included within the Irish response:

setting maximum levels for as many vitamins and minerals as possible to enable protection of consumers against unknown effects of excessive consumption of nutrients — particularly among those who may be exposed to excessive intake levels over a long period of time.

setting maximum limits at relatively high values where evidence of safe use exists: however, it was stressed that such evidence should be based on the highest level of scientific evidence. Furthermore, this evidence should take account of sub-groups of the population who may be more vulnerable to adverse effects of over-consumption e.g. pregnant women and children.

maximum levels, in the case of food supplements, should be set at the optimal intake levels based on Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) or Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI covering 97% of the population).

The FSAI advised there is no benefit in exceeding the optimal intake of nutrients: however, as mentioned above, there may be risk associated with long-term excessive intakes of some nutrients. The FSAI has since reiterated this advice based on a report published in last month's issue of the Journal of the Medical Association where higher mortality rates were found in individuals consuming high intakes of antioxidant nutrients provided as supplements. The doses of nutrients individuals were exposed to in this study were all above the levels commonly found in a balanced diet.

It will be appreciated that the Irish position was developed having regard to the need to ensure a high level of consumer protection — which is my priority and which is the basis of current food legislation.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department will engage in direct dialogue with the Irish Association of Health Food stores on the maximum and minimum amounts for vitamins and minerals in foodstuffs under the EU Food Supplements Directive. [8678/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Yes.