Liz McManus
Ceist:30 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the actions being taken to ensure the promotion of healthy eating options in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9174/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 March 2004
Ceisteanna (30)
Freagraí scríofa
While my Department's primary responsibility is to ensure that only food which meets the highest standards of food safety and quality enters the food chain, I also recognise the importance of a balanced diet in a healthy lifestyle. A good balance of diet and physical exercise is essential for well being and good health.
The food promotion agencies under the aegis of my Department, Bord Bia and Bord Glas, have comprehensive programmes in place to promote the virtues of good nutrition and healthy eating habits. Bord Bia has devised a range of initiatives including quality assurance schemes for the pigmeat, egg and poultry sectors, the expansion of the Féile Bia programme to encourage consumption of quality assured food and the establishment of the taste council to promote speciality food.
Bord Glas promotes the consumption of fruit and vegetables as a central part of a healthy diet. In 2003, Bord Glas and the health promotion unit of the Department of Health and Children launched a public awareness campaign "Vegetables — Because Fast Food Comes Naturally" to highlight the health benefits of vegetables. Consumers were encouraged to eat four or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day as part of a healthy lifestyle.
My Department is also co-funding with the European Commission and the trade, programmes to provide information about, and to promote food products on the internal market. These programmes aim to boost the image of Union food products, in particular as regards the quality, nutritional value, food safety and methods of production. To date, Ireland has funded programmes in the milk and mushroom sectors.