Brian O'Shea
Question:17 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his Department's views on the continuing lack of full labelling on the origin of all food in catering outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13989/03]
Written Answers. - Food Industry.
As a result of concerns expressed by consumers on this and other issues, I established a food labelling group to examine issues surrounding food labelling in general. This group reported to me last December and this specific issue was raised in the context of the group's recommendations.
There was full agreement within the food labelling group that consumers have a right to information on the origin of the meat they cook in their homes or eat out. However, differences were expressed on how origin should be defined. While the group could not agree on how origin should be defined, there was unanimous agreement that further research was necessary to establish consumers wishes in this area.
I have since established an interdepartmental/agency committee to progress the recommendations in this report. This committee is comprised of the Department of Agriculture and Food; the Department of Health and Children; the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; the Food Safety Authority of Ireland; and the Food Safety Promotion Board.
The Consumer Liaison Panel has drawn up a strategy for consumer research to establish the concerns of consumers about food labelling generally. This strategy includes the issue of origin. I intend to arrange to have research commissioned on this basis.