asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that standards for soft drinks have been established in Great Britain (S.I. No. 56 of 1953, Labelling of Food Order, 1953, and S.I. No. 1828 of 1953, The Food Standards (Soft Drinks) Order, 1953); and, if so, whether he will fix standards for soft drinks on the same lines in order to protect consumers by requiring minimum standards of quality in soft drinks offered for sale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Standards for Soft Drinks.
I am aware that standards for soft drinks have been prescribed in Great Britain. The question of prescribing standards for the composition of foods generally is a very complex one. My predecessor as Minister set up a Food Advisory Committee late in 1955 to advise on the measures which might be taken to safeguard the public health in the consumption of food and drink and this committee is at present carrying out investigations with a view, primarily, to the exclusion from articles of food of harmful ingredients. It will be appreciated that this aspect of the food control problem is one which should receive priority. When the committee has concluded its present investigations, I shall seek its advice on the desirability of establishing a standard for soft drinks. The Deputy is aware, I presume, that soft drinks are subject to the general provisions of the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950 and 1952 and of the Food and Drugs Acts 1875-1956.