Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
34 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is making progress in the labelling of lamb, pork and poultry to indicate the country of origin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24486/04]
View answerTwo statutory instruments were signed earlier this year requiring that loose poultry should bear an indication of its country of origin if imported from outside the EU and requiring that it should be labelled to show class, price per kilogram, whether fresh or frozen and the number of the production plant. Mandatory regulations already existed at EU level regarding pre-packaged poultry products.
As regards lamb and pork, the food labelling group recommended in favour of country of origin labelling for these products sold at retail level and in the food service sector. I intend to carefully consider these recommendations and will consult with other Departments, agencies and other interested parties with a view to drawing up an appropriate regulatory framework.
