John Gormley
Question:214 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the irradiated foods currently imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8979/99]
Written Answers. - Irradiated Foods.
John Gormley
Question:215 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether irradiated foods cause a health risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8980/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.
EU law requires that irradiated foods 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 European Parliament and the Council have recently agreed two new directives on foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation. The first directive, a framework directive, lays down the general provisions on ionising radiation such as the conditions for treatment, the rules governing the approval and control of irradiation facilities and the labelling provisions.
The second directive, an implementing directive, lists foodstuffs which can be treated with ionising radiation together with the maximum doses authorised for the intended purpose. The complete positive list will be established in stages. The Commission will, by 31 December 2000 at the latest, submit a proposal intended to establish a final list.
I welcome the general provisions of these directives and, in particular, their concern with consumer protection and information. My Department is responsible for the implementation of these directives in Ireland.
In September 1994, the Food Safety Advisory Committee presented its second report on irradiated food to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry. The Committee endorsed its previous recommendation that the irradiation of foodstuffs is an acceptable and safe practice when carried out in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius Commission general standard for irradiated food and the Codex Code of Practice for the operation of radiation facilities for irradiated foods in international trade. The practice has the potential for reducing food wastage and spoilage.