John Lahart
Question:
198. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position Ireland will take on forthcoming EU proposals on food labelling, particularly in light of concerns about the potential impact on traditional Irish products and producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44573/26]
View answer
Clarity is required from the Deputy in relation to which EU proposals he is referring to. Subject to receiving this clarity, a considered reply can be supplied or the PQ may transfer to the Department of Health, who are the lead Department in relation to food labelling.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.
I thank the deputy for the clarification on his question. The costs and administrative burden on food businesses, particularly any disproportionate effect on small and artisan businesses, as well as on official control authorities, must be a consideration if the rules on food labelling were to change.
The Department of Health are the lead Department in relation to the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU Reg 1169/2011). Ireland’s position on any EU proposals to amend food labelling under this regulation will come from that Department. The deputy is advised to contact the Minister for Health for further clarification and a comprehensive response to his question.
