Obesity Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 June 2017

Wednesday, 21 June 2017

Questions (191)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

191. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 25 May 2013, if he will provide the details of the membership of the national reformulation technical working group to agree targets for reducing fat, sugar and salt which is being established; if his Department will be consulting and engaging with the health organisations when targets are agreed similar to the process that will be engaged upon with industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29147/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

In line with the relevant actions in the National Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016 - 2025, a Food Reformulation Working Group is being established and membership is being determined. Its focus will be to reduce the sugar, fat and salt content of foods and beverages in line with the EU Food Reformulation Project. I am not in a position to preempt the work of the group in advance of the process to establish it being finalised; but engagement with appropriate health expertise is likely to feature in any future work of the group.