Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 892: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to require the publication of the numbers of calories contained in food by food outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23137/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I established a Special Action Group on Obesity to identify a number of specific issues which could be progressed to help make an impact on our obesity levels. Calorie posting on restaurant menus was one of the issues identified and my Department met with representatives from the food and drinks industry in this regard. I now intend writing to Irish fast food outlets, with parent companies involved in the calorie posting programme in the US, requesting that they participate in a similar scheme here. At the same time my Department is examining the feasibility of extending the initiative to other restaurants.