asked the Minister for Health whether he will take steps to compel all manufacturers and packers of food sold in containers and packages of any kind to disclose on the outside of such containers full details of the contents thereof, including artificial colouring and preservatives.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Packaged Food: Description of Contents.
4.
Mr. Ryan
I am opposed to compulsion in any form, including compulsion of any kind advocated by the Deputy, unless I am satisfied that the public interest requires it. I am not aware that foodstuffs sold in containers are, in general, other than pure and wholesome. In fact, the packeting of foodstuffs contributes to their reaching the consumer in a fresher and more hygienic state than would otherwise be possible and the labelling of the containers would not improve the position in this respect. In these circumstances, I think it is of greater importance that the moneys available and the time and energies of the limited staff of my Department and of health authorities should be devoted to more important matters, e.g., the improvement of the effectiveness and economy of the health organisation and of the facilities for the prevention and cure of illness and disease.