asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will outline the present regulations in relation to the labelling of ingredients in prepacked foods; if all ingredients must be stated; and if any change in the regulations is contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prepacked Foods Labelling.
10.
The only regulations at present in existence in relation to the labelling of ingredients in prepacked foods are those on food additives administered by the Department of Health.
There is no general requirement to state all ingredients but if any such information is given it must not be false or misleading or else it would be an offence under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, as amended by the Consumer Information Act, 1978.
A requirement to list ingredients in all foodstuffs is contained in a proposal for an EEC Council directive on the approximation of the laws of member states relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer. Discussion on this directive is at an advanced stage.