Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Irradiated Food.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

32 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the percentage, if any, of imported foodstuffs which is irradiated before entering Ireland; if he will give details of the different types of food produce which are irradiated before entering Ireland; and whether a consumer has any way of knowing if a food product has been irradiated. [21543/96]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

90 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the percentage, if any, of imported foodstuffs irradiated before entering Ireland; if he will provide details of the different types of food produce which are irradiated before entering Ireland; and if the consumer has any way of knowing if a food product has been irradiated. [24684/96]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

145 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the current situation where the onus is on the producers of irradiated food to label it as such in view of the growing concerns regarding the quality of our foods. [24617/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. O'Shea)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 90 and 145 together.

EU law requires that irradiated foods should be so labelled. These provisions, which have been transposed into Irish legislation, are enforced by the Director of Consumer Affairs on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise and Employment. I understand that the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs has made inquiries to establish the level and range of irradiated foods being imported into Ireland and has concluded that the quantities and range of foods involved are very insignificant.

The Deputy may be aware that a proposal is currently being discussed at EU level which would harmonise laws relating to food irradiation among the member states. The proposal, if adopted, will further strengthen the labelling requirements for irradiated foods as well as providing a range of other safeguards. I have given a broad welcome to the thrust of this proposal and welcome, in particular, its concern with consumer protection and information.