Denis Naughten
Ceist:136 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself with the meat labelling procedures here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29501/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 November 2004
Ceisteanna (136)
Freagraí scríofa
While all meat products sold at retail level in Ireland are subject to the general labelling food requirements set out in national and EU legislation there are gaps in meat labelling that I intend to fill when I have fully considered the technical and legal implications involved.
With regard to beef, there is already in place a comprehensive traceability and labelling system. EU regulations provide for a detailed labelling system to be applied at retail sale that is over and above the general labelling provisions. There is, however, a gap in these requirements in so far as they do not apply at restaurant and catering sector level, even though traceability and labelling provisions apply up to the point of delivery to the establishment. It is my intention to proceed with a legal requirement that the country of origin must be displayed in respect of beef served on such premises. The legal options allowing for this development are being examined.
As regards lamb and pork, to which food labelling requirements apply, I am considering how best to implement the recommendations of the food labelling group in respect of labelling of origin of these products sold at retail level.
With regard to poultry, two statutory instruments were signed earlier this year, setting out requirements that loose poultry should bear an indication of its country of origin if imported from outside the EU and requiring that it should be labelled to show class, price per kilogram, whether fresh or frozen and the number of the production plant. Mandatory regulations existed at EU level in relation to pre-packaged poultry products.