asked the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing legislation to have an analysis of the goods indicated on the wrappings of all proprietary food and drink products.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food and Drink Legislation.
22.
Under the Health Act, 1947 I have power to make regulations prescribing standards for foods, including drink, which are of special importance to the public health; such regulations could embody labelling requirements on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
The labelling of food and drink generally is, however, a wider and more complex issue involving other Minister besided myself, including the Minister for Industry and Commerce and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
The general question of legislation relating to labelling of food and drink is under consideration at present by the National Codex Alimentarious Committee arising from the work of the parent international body—Codex Alimentarius Commission—of which this country is a member. The committee will advise the Government on the matter in due course.
One realises that with a body like this it is hard to get a precise timetable but could the Minister be a little more precise than "in due course"? Is it possible to give any indication of when we may expect some new legislation on this matter?
Yes, I think that at the next meeting of the committee a memorandum giving some details of the labelling requirements included in the various standards is being presented. The drawing up of the standards is nearing the final stages. I would not be able to say exactly what that means.
It is a complex matter?
(Interruptions.)