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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 1

Written Answers. - Food Labelling.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

94 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that labelling requirements in respect of farmed salmon are adequate to ensure that consumers will be aware at the point of sale that the foodstuff they are purchasing has been cultivated industrially rather than in the wild; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26278/98]

I am advised that there is EU and National legislation on the labelling requirements for packaged products for sale to the ultimate consumer. These requirements relate to: name of product; quantity of characterising ingredients; ingredients list; net quantity; use by date; storage conditions and instructions for use; and name and address of manufacturer or packer.

No specific provisions are made as to the labelling of wild versus farmed salmon. Provisions are made to ensure that misleading statements or claims are not made as to the characteristics of the foodstuff, quantity, origin or provenance, method of manufacture or production. I am advised by BIM that this is intended to prevent, for example, labelling claims of farmed salmon as wild salmon. Both may be labelled as salmon.

I am not aware that there is any significant problem in this area but if the Deputy has specific concerns he should take these up with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment who has responsibility for the rules on the labelling of food. The policing of these requirements is a matter for the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.

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