I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 to 397, inclusive, together.
This is a matter for the HSE therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
The national Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) was approved by the Government in 2016. The OPAP recommended that a code of practice for food and beverages promotion, marketing and sponsorship be developed, implemented and evaluated in conjunction with the food indsutry, HSE, Dept of Children and Youth Affairs, safefood, Food Safety Authority of Ireland and advertiser organisations. The OPAP premised this recommendation by providing that 'already there are many examples of the food industry making positive contirubtions to the prevention of obesity and it is essential to capitalise and expand on such initiatives'.
The group that developed the Codes involved representatives from the food industry, advertising sector, statutory agencies, and various Government Departments. It was chaired by the former CEO of the statutory Food Safety Authoirty of Ireland.
The Codes of Practice are one of the suite of actions set out in the OPAP in the knowledge that no single sector or agency, or no single action, is able to solve this issue on their own. Everyone and every sector has a role to play in those solutions.
Section 10 of the Codes of Practice provides for a governance framework for these codes. It stipulates that monitoring for compliance and effectiveness encompasses:
1. Compliance of the food industry with the rules in the Codes governing the various media and
2. the efficacy of the Codes of Practice with respect to achieving their objectives of ensuring that:
- So-called High Fat Sugar and Salt (HFSS) foods are marketed in a responsible way
- children are not exposed to inappropriate marketing, advertising or sponsorship associated with these kinds of food and drink products
- healthier food choices are actively promoted.
Section 10 of the Codes on governance also provides that:
'The monitoring body will be free to decide on its operational methods. However the body will have access to and review relevant data from all companies and partner organisations.'
It elaborates further on what monitoring for compliance and effectiveness shall involve. It provides that monitoring will include:
a. 'Independent research/monitoring across all of the areas governed by these Codes to assess adherence, and
b. Investigating and dealing with complaints.'
Furthermore, the Codes provide that:
'The monitoring body shall commission research that will inform it of the effectiveness of these Codes in achieving their stated aims and objectives.'
The food industry and relevant sectors have agreed to the implementation of these Codes. The Codes were only launched last week and so it is too early to be specific about the other queries raised by the Deputy pending the establishment of the monitoring body and the development of guidelines for the implementation of the Codes during 2018.