Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 4

Written Answers. - Food Labelling.

Ivor Callely

Question:

265 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he has satisfied himself with the regulations regarding food labelling; his views on whether alcoholic lemonade is an appropriate label; the proposals, if any, he has for improvements in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19122/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

The regulations regarding food labelling, for which I have responsibility, are comprehensive. Their purpose is to inform consumers of the content of the food or drink which they consume. In particular, they provide that the following information must be shown on the accompanying label:

— Name of the food or drink;

— Net quantity;

—"use-by" date;

— Storage instructions;

— Name and address of bottler, manufacturer, packer or seller;

— Country of origin, only if its absence is likely to mislead consumers;

— An indication of the alcoholic strength over 1.2 per cent.

In addition, in the case of food, there is a requirement to show the ingredients in descending order of importance. This requirement does not apply to alcoholic beverages on the grounds that their disclosure could breach trade secrets.

The Director of Consumer Affairs, who has responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations, has recently examined the labelling of alcoholic lemonades on sale here. He has found them to be in compliance with the food labelling provisions. The products are clearly labelled as being alcoholic fruit drinks, as well as giving an indication of their alcoholic strength.

However, I continue to be concerned about the labelling of such products. Therefore, I am now seeking the agreement of the European Commission, and of member states, to introduce stringent requirements for the labelling of alcoholic fruit juices with the aim of protecting consumers' health.