Beverley Flynn
Ceist:193 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the compulsory labelling of all meat in restaurants and catering outlets will be introduced. [20486/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 6 July 2004
Ceisteanna (161)
Freagraí scríofa
I recently announced my intention to proceed with a legal requirement on the restaurant and catering sector to display country of origin in respect of beef served on their premises. This measure will come into effect once the necessary control and implementation arrangements are in place. I made arrangements for this matter to be discussed in the Council of Agriculture Ministers during the Irish Presidency, as it is my view that there is a gap in the overall beef labelling regulations that ought to be filled. This was also the view of the food labelling group and the consumer liaison panel, both of which I established. In the Council discussions there was little willingness on the part of the European Commission or other member states to extend the scope of the EU regulations to address this issue. However, the Commission did confirm that member states may adopt national compulsory measures under the labelling directive.
I have formally notified the Commission of my intention to proceed in this area and my Department is making the necessary arrangements for the early introduction of this measure. Once I have evaluated its effect I will consider the question of extending the scope of the regulations to other products. The general labelling requirements set out in EU and national law apply to all food products sold at retail level.