Joe Walsh
Ceist:47 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health the status that EU Directives 93/102/EC, 96/5/EC and 91/321/EC, 96/4/EC, have in Irish regulations relative to food safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8238/96]
Written Answers. - Food Safety Regulations.
Directives 91/321/EC, 96/4/EC (amending Directive 91/321/EC) and 96/5/EC specify labelling requirements to be met in addition to those already provided for in Directive 93/102/EC (amending Directive 79/112/EEC). Statutory Instruments No. 459 of 1994 and No. 379 of 1995 give effect in Ireland to Directives 91/321/EC and 93/102/EC respectively. Directives 96/4/EC and 96/5/EC fall due to be transposed by 31 March, 1997 and 30 September, 1997, respectively. I recognise the importance of compliance with food labelling requirements in the overall context of food safety and accept that this takes on added importance in the case of foods for infants and young children. I am satisfied that the statutory requirements are being adhered to in Ireland.