Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2023
114. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of proposals by the Italian Agriculture Minister to ban synthetic food including the production, import and marketing of food produced in laboratories; if he will outline his Department's position with respect to synthetic foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50128/23]
View answerI am aware of recent reports referring to a proposal by the Italian Agriculture Minister that would ban the production, import and marketing of food produced in laboratories.
The function regarding banning of certain foods falls under the remit of the Department of Health which is supported by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland which is a statutory, independent and science-based body, dedicated to protecting public health and consumer interests in the area of food safety and hygiene.
I am not aware of any similar proposal for Ireland.
