Members of the public are to be asked their views on food labelling in a consultation process announced today by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
The FSAI said the Food Labelling in the EUconsultation would inform European policy in modernising food labelling regulations and would help ensure a coherent approach to labelling in the EU.
Alan Reilly, deputy chief executive of the FSAI
The process will focus on general labelling, including whether products are marked in a clear and readable way, and also on nutrition issues, including salt content in food products.
Labelling of genetically modified foods and the question of health warnings on alcoholic drinks will also come under scrutiny.
Alan Reilly, deputy chief executive of the FSAI, said food labelling issues have generated much debate in recent times.
"This consultation asks people for their views on everything from whether salt content should be mandatory, to whether guidelines should be put in place regarding clear and readable labelling.
"Another important area that is addressed is how nutritional information is presented on food products. Current labelling practices for nutritional food products can often cause confusion amongst consumers, so it is hoped that a uniform policy across the EU would assist tackle that problem," Mr Reilly said.
The deadline for submissions to the FSAI is Wednesday, May 31st, and the full consultation document is available on the FSAI website at http://www.fsai.ie