I propose to take Questions Nos. 861 and 862 together.
I am aware of the recent legislative changes in the United Kingdom (UK) concerning the fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid (FA). I am also informed that this may have a considerable impact on food businesses in Ireland due to the significant amount of flour and compound goods containing flour imported from the UK.
Officials from my Department have engaged with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Industry Representative bodies on this matter. These meetings have highlighted the impact that these changes will have on food business operators.
Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 on the provision of food information for consumers, provides assurance that consumers are not mislead and ensures that public health is protected by requiring accurate and clear labelling on food.
My Department has contacted the EU Commission and requested a meeting with the responsible Unit to discuss the topic with a view to agreeing a pragmatic interim solution. A letter outlining the situation has also been sent to the Commission.
Introducing emergency support measures for businesses is not within the remit of the Department of Health and would be a matter for either the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
