Food labelling to be examined by group
The minister said he was anxious that consumers get the most comprehensive information possible relating to the origin, contents and composition of the foods they buy.
This will provide them with the necessary information to exercise choice when they purchase food.
Minister Walsh indicated that the area of food labelling was an extremely complex one, and the study group would require access to broad-based expertise.
Accordingly, he intended that the members of the group would be drawn from representatives of major stakeholders in the food chain: consumer interests, industry, government departments and State agencies.
Mr Walsh said that he would be asking the group to report in the autumn.
The minister emphasised that very important developments had taken place in recent years in the whole area of traceability, which had increased the guarantees available to consumers of Irish food.
However, recent issues, highlighted by the Consumer Liaison Panel, concerning the import of certain products from non-European countries, which were put into free circulation elsewhere within the EU have brought to light the need for a relook at the application of existing labelling legislation and the possible need for an extension of the requirements into areas not currently provided for.
The minister said the group was in the process of establishing itself and will examine and report on these issues.
