Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
562. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure compliance with EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers regarding food ingredient allergens; if new rules to enhance the labelling requirements will be in place prior to the December 2016 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/14]
View answer563. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if, in the context of consumer rights, he will confirm if his Department is playing a role in the introduction of regulation 1169/2011 of the EU regarding new, enhanced requirements on the provision of allergen information on food products to consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18010/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 563 together.
EU Regulation 1169/2011 will provide a high level of consumer protection in relation to food and will assist consumers to make more informed decisions and healthier choices. My Department is leading on the implementation of the Regulation and the necessary legislation is currently being drafted. Consultations will take place with other Departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation as necessary.
The Regulation provides significant improvements in relation to allergen labelling legislation across the EU, particularly in the case of non-prepacked foods. In accordance with Article 54 of the Regulation, the majority of the new labelling measures, including those in relation to allergen labelling, will be introduced into Irish law on 13 December 2014. The requirements in relation to a nutrition declaration will take effect from 13 December 2016.
