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Food Labelling

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2019

Thursday, 16 May 2019

Questions (138)

Clare Daly

Question:

138. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the sale of fish labelled as organic that are produced in breach of licensing conditions can be described as "green washing". [21180/19]

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Written answers

At the outset, I wish to make very clear that the procedures operated by my Department are designed to ensure that the highest standards apply to all areas of Irish organic production. The award of organic status is secured by a formal certification process delegated by my Department to various Organic Control Bodies in accordance with the relevant EU regulations. The certification process involves regular inspection of all organic operators, production techniques and sampling of organic produce to ensure compliance with all EU requirements.

The inspection process for producers of organic fish is extremely detailed and includes adherence to a range of core organic principles, as well as stocking levels, feed practice, traceability and fish-welfare and husbandry amongst other things. Organic aquaculture sites are also subject to the standard inspection regime applying to conventional producers by the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. In addition, all Organic Control Bodies are independently accredited by an external accreditation body.

With regard to the organic status of an operation, where a breach of licensing conditions is determined and an aquaculture licence is revoked, the Organic Control Body concerned in accordance with its procedures, takes the necessary action to suspend certification and remove organic certification trademarks completely from the product in question. If the organisation concerned fails to resolve the situation by a specified date, then the organic certificate for the site in question is withdrawn.

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