Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Health his views on the apparent increase in the use of glucose fructose in food products; if he is concerned at claims that the ingredient contributes to weight gain, obesity and other major public health problems; if he will take action to limit the use of the ingredient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20140/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) that the use of glucose fructose in food products in Europe, and Ireland in particular, is minimal. In the circumstances they have advised that there is no need for concerns regarding the contribution of this ingredient to increasing obesity and diabetes rates in Ireland. They stressed however that, as with all foodstuffs, sugar and related products should be eaten in moderation and as part of a well balanced diet. In addition, they outlined that consumers who had concerns about the consumption of food products containing glucose fructose should pay particular attention to the terms "isoglucose" and "glucose-fructose syrup" on the labels of foodstuffs.