Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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771. To ask the Minister for Health the consideration given to those with eating disorders in the decision-making process to add calorie information to alcoholic products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26247/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 provides that labels on alcohol products must contain the energy value expressed in kilojoules and kilocalories contained in the container, in addition to health warnings and other health information.

The European Union Food Information to Consumers Regulation 1169/2011 sets the requirement for the information provided on food labelling. Under that Regulation, having a nutrition declaration on pre-packed foods is mandatory. This regulation provides for a high level of consumer protection ensuring consumers are not misled and supporting them to make informed choices about their food. Nutritional information including the energy value, amount of fats, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and salts must be given for most pre-packed foods.

Our alcohol labelling legislation now provides for a statement of the energy value contained in alcohol products in line with the information already provided to Irish consumers on other food and drink products.