Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2013
178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in respect of food traceability-labelling, if he will ensure that those responsible for breaches of the existing code are dealt with in such a manner as to discourage and prohibit such breaches in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48771/13]
View answerFood production and labelling in the countries of the European Union operate in accordance with harmonised rules and member states' controls are subject to audit and supervision by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) under the aegis the Minister for Health has overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety and labelling requirements in Ireland. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. Inspections to ensure compliance with labelling legislation are carried out by a variety of inspection services provided by these agencies under the aforementioned contracts. In relation to my Department’s functions I can assure the Deputy that appropriate and dissuasive action will be taken when food business operators are in breach of the relevant labelling legislation.
