Vol. 534 No. 2
63 Mr. P. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that products such as chicken breasts which are sold on the Irish market, are often labelled as Irish products in other EU countries or in countries outside the EU, thereby creating the impression that they are produced in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10285/01]
Where the responsibility of my Department is concerned, the response to the Deputy's specific inquiry about the current legal situation is that foodstuffs placed for sale on the Irish market must comply with the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 92 of 2000). These regulations give effect to EU labelling rules of a general nature and they are applicable to all foodstuffs. The rules are designed to inform and protect consumers in the EU by ensuring that they have the information necessary to make informed choices about the products they purchase and that this information is provided in such a manner as to facilitate trade between member states.
The regulations require certain specific information to be provided on the labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs, including the name of the product, the name or business name and address of the manufacturer, packer or seller of the product established within the EU, the list of ingredients, the net quantity and the date of minimum durability. Foodstuffs which are pre-packaged on a retail premises for direct sale to a consumer are exempt from many of the provisions of the regulations.
