Written answers

Wednesday, 26 May 2010

Department of Agriculture and Food

Food Labelling

10:30 am

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that food labelling and traceability regulations applicable here and throughout the European Union are being complied with in the spirit and the letter; if all food labelling reliably indicates the origin of the product; the degree to which checks are made to determine their veracity; the number of instances in which inaccurate labelling has been detected; the action taken thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22005/10]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Health & 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. My Department conducts checks, including labelling, as appropriate in the business premises for which it has responsibility and non-compliances are followed up as necessary. It is understood from the FSAI that a range of inspections are carried out at catering and retail establishments by the other service-contracted bodies which include checks on labelling.

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