On Monday (18 July), the Food Safety Authority of Ireland announced a national consultation in conjunction with the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to seek opinions on EU regulations that allow for some prepackaged food products to be exempt from displaying nutritional information.
From 16 December 2016, EU Regulations will require that most prepacked food products provide mandatory nutritional information to enable consumers make more informed choices when purchasing food.
However, the manufacture of small quantities of foods that are supplied directly by the manufacturer to the consumer or to local retailers is exempt from the new regulations. The FSAI is seeking opinions from interested parties to ascertain what defines ‘small quantities of product’.
Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, said; “We actively encourage all interested parties to submit their views via the online consultation, so that their opinion and position can be taken into consideration when the definition is being formulated.
"The views submitted will assist in making a more informed decision in relation to the final definition for ‘small quantities’ in Ireland. This definition will be ultimately transposed into Irish law and is likely to have an impact on food producers and retailers.”
All interested parties are invited to express their views via an online questionnaire. The consultation will close on 22 August 2016.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Niall Swan
