asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will explain the exact proposals of the EEC Council on the harmonisation of laws concerning natural yeast and yeast residues.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Yeast and Yeast Residues.
21.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the proposal for a Council Directive relating to the harmonisation of the laws of member states concerning natural yeasts and yeast residues, which was submitted to the Council by the EEC Commission in March, 1973.
This Directive, which has not yet been discussed in the Council, is designed to remove technical obstacles to trade and to protect the consumer. It applies to natural yeasts and yeast residues intended for human consumption, or for use in industry. It lays down special conditions in regard to the composition of baker's yeast. It establishes, also, relatively severe restrictions from the bacteriological and toxicological points of view. Finally, detailed requirements are specified as to the packaging, labelling and marketing of the products concerned.
A copy of the proposed Directive is to be found in the Dáil Library.