Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if food labelling throughout the retail sector here fully and accurately reflects the country of origin and compliance with national and EU standards in respect of husbandry, production and traceability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17296/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which food labelling in respect of beef, lamb, pigmeat, poultry, dairy products and by-products available here and throughout the European Union accurately reflect the country of origin and compliance with EU regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17297/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 238 together.

The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (F.S.A.I.). This is done through service contracts between the F.S.A.I and my Department, The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Service Executive and the Local Authority Veterinary Service.

Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. Under EU legislation, specific country of origin labelling is only required in the case of beef, unprocessed poultry and fruit and vegetables. It is understood from the FSAI that a range of inspections are carried out at catering and retail establishments to monitor country of origin labelling. My Department conducts checks, as appropriate, in the business premises for which it has responsibility. Non-compliances are followed up as necessary.