Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2012
210 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce legislation to ensure that fast food chains are required to provide clear calorie information on their notice boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4255/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn an effort to combat the dangerous levels of obesity in all age groups of the Irish population, and as one measure among many, recommended by the Special Action Group on Obesity, late in 2011 I wrote to Fast Food companies operating here in Ireland to request that they introduce calorie posting in their restaurants, on a voluntary basis immediately. A follow up letter has also issued and the responses received so far have been positive. At present I do not consider it necessary to introduce legislation in this matter. Early in February 2012, I will be launching the Food Safety Authority of Ireland public consultation questionnaire —‘Putting Calories on Menus in Ireland' whose results will help inform this process.
