asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the present methods of inspection with regard to labelling of products, including aspects of safety and the accuracy of such labelling, indicating the number of inspections or checks which are carried out; whether any prosecutions have been pursued; whether he has satisfied himself regarding much of the descriptive-type labelling which at present applies including the labelling of certain goods where non-active ingredients are not listed; and if he will outline the action he proposes to take in the whole area of labelling.
Written Answers. - Labelling of Products.
14.
I should perhaps, at the outset, point out to the Deputy that the labelling of products is not the responsibility solely of my Department. Depending on the product, responsibility for labelling is spread over a number of Departments, such as the Department of Labour for dangerous substances or preparations, the Department of Agriculture and Food for particular foodstuffs and the Department of Health for poisons and medical preparations.
Within my own Department's area of responsibility there are regulations relating to labelling in a number of specific areas, for instance, foodstuffs, textiles and upholstered furniture. These regulations were formerly enforced by various sections of my Department but in the past few weeks, following the coming into effect of the Restrictive Practices (Amendment) Act, 1987, responsibility for enforcement has passed to the Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trade. I should point out that the health boards also have enforcement powers under the food labelling regulations.
During the period that my Department enforced these regulations, their efforts and resources were concentrated on advising traders of their obligations under the regulations, responding to complaints and inquiries by members of the public and carrying out checks and surveys to establish the level of compliance with the regulations. In general this approach was effective and compliance overall was good. Only one prosecution was undertaken by my Department but I understand that a number of prosecutions have been taken by the health boards in relation to food labelling.
I believe that the transfer of enforcement powers from the Minister to the Director can be expected to result in the more effective and efficient enforcement of the regulations in question.
With regard to what the Deputy refers to as "descriptive-type labelling", I should point out that, whether or not there is specific provision with regard to this in regulations on particular products, there are general provisions in the Merchandise Marks Acts which require that descriptions and claims on goods must be truthful and not misleading. Again, these provisions are enforced by the Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trade.
In general, I am satisfied that the present labelling requirements in those areas for which I have responsibility are adequate. These requirements are of course reviewed from time to time at national level and in the context of our EC obligations.