Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
676. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health the action he has taken to collect and analyse data on the growing incidence of persons with food allergies here; and if research into human food intolerances and gut health is being carried out by Teagasc. [8104/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to compile information on the prevalence within the European Union of each of the 14 food allergies specified in the EU food labelling legislation. We have also asked for EFSA's recommendation for threshold concentrations for each allergen in food that would provide an acceptable level of protection for at-risk consumers. In addition, we have enquired about the suitability, or otherwise, of qualitative and quantitative DNA-based tests (PCR) for the detection and quantification of food allergens in comparison with immunological or other methods. EFSA is due to provide a draft response to these questions in 2014, which will then be subjected to an EU-wide consultation. A final EFSA opinion is expected in 2015, after which it is envisaged that any changes in labelling legislation will be considered by risk managers, including EU Member States and the Commission.
While I am not responsible for Teagasc myself, I have asked my colleague, Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine about research they are conducting into human food intolerances and gut health and have organised for Teagasc to forward this information separately to the Deputy.
