asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether in relation to the 1,793 tonnes of Dutch bacon imported in 1987, all or any of same was sold as Irish bacon; whether in relation to same, his attention has been drawn to breaches of the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1982, which require prepackaged foods to be marked or labelled with, inter alia, particulars of the place of origin where the absence of this information would mislead; and the action he has taken or proposes to take to cope with such abuse.
Written Answers. - Breaches of EC Legislation.
63.
I am not aware that any imported bacon has been sold as Irish bacon in contravention of the European Communities (Labelling Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1982.
Responsibility for enforcing these regulations is a matter for the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trade. Officials of my Department have been in touch with that office in relation to possible abuses of the labelling regulations in the case of imported bacon and have requested that particular vigilance be applied in this area. If the Deputy has evidence of any abuses of the regulation he should inform the director accordingly.