Vol. 495 No. 7
405 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department will establish allergy clinics; the steps, if any, his Department will take to raise public awareness in relation to potentially fatal food allergies; if his Department has established any research into the causes and treatments of these allergies; and the proposals, if any, he has regarding the legislation governing labeling of food ingredients. [20940/98]
The issue of food allergies is one to which my Department attaches particular importance. The health boards and voluntary hospitals have been alerted to the problem and have been asked to raise awareness of the issues amongst all appropriate medical personnel in the relevant hospital or health board area, including, in particular, general practitioners. Special emphasis has been placed on outlining such issues as the likely symptoms and the appropriate treatment of patients presenting allergic reactions.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland will play an important role in increasing public awareness in all areas of food safety and nutrition, including food allergies. It may also consider conducting research into the causes and treatments of food allergies.
St. James's Hospital, Dublin, has a dedicated allergy clinic which treats all allergies including food allergies.
A critical issue for those who suffer from food allergies is that of food labelling. My colleague, Deputy Tom Kitt, Minister of State with responsibility for labour, trade and consumer affairs, is responsible for Directive 79/112/EEC concerning the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs. The Directive (as amended) has been incorporated in the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1982 to 1997. Persons responsible for placing foodstuffs on the market must abide by the Regulations, which are enforced by the Director of Consumer Affairs. Compulsory labelling particulars include the indication of the list of ingredients in a manner specified in the Directive.
