Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
25 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to ensure that pork and pork products are clearly labelled with the country of origin; his plans to ensure that there is no ambiguity in the labelling of the products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14728/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU fresh meat regulations, processors of fresh meat within the European Union are required to provide on their packaging an oval mark indicating the approval number and location of the last premises in which the meat was processed. General food labelling regulations make it compulsory for certain labelling indications to be provided on foodstuffs, including: the name under which the product is sold; the list of ingredients; the quantities of certain ingredients or categories of ingredients; net quantity; and the date of minimum durability or the "use by" date. I am of the view that consumers should have full information in relation to the meat they consume, including in relation to origin of the product.
The Deputy will be aware that I established the food labelling group to examine issues in relation to food labelling. Among other things, the group recommended that information on the origin of meat, including pigmeat, should be declared. I am currently considering how best the recommendations of the food labelling group may be progressed.
