asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take steps to compel all food manufacturing firms to include on all commodity labels details of contents, protein or vitamin value and the price of the commodity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commodity Labelling.
48.
The Merchandise Marks Bill, which I hope to introduce shortly, will enable me to make orders requiring that pre-packed goods be marked with the quantity of contents by weight, measure or number.
As I have stated in public in the past, I accept the desirability of informative labelling generally and I intend as my consumer protection programme develops to deal with other aspects of it.
As to prices, I do not think it would be in the public interest that manufacturers should be required to mark prices in this way.
Would the Minister indicate if it is intended to make arrangements for the marking of contents as to protein and vitamin value?
As I indicated, the further steps in the programme will be dealt with as we go along but I regarded the priority aspect of it as the marking of the quantity of contents by weight, measure or number. The question of the protein value and the nutritional value of the contents is one that is being considered. It requires a good deal of consultation with various interests involved. I would not be in a position at this stage to say positively this will be done. I think it will be.
According to the Minister's reply, would he agree most food manufacturers should have laboratory facilities for providing that information?
Generally, I would agree. There should be no problem but it is not as simple as that.
The food analysis should be available readily to the Minister.
Is it not insisted on in the case of animal foods?