The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food is due to discuss food labelling when it meets for a public session tomorrow (Wednesday, February 11).

Members of the committee will hear from representatives of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and Bord Bia.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) will also be in attendance.

The FSAI is responsible for coordinating the enforcement of all food labelling and country‑of‑origin rules in Ireland, including investigating incorrect or misleading Irish origin claims.

While Bord Bia is responsible for enforcing the use of the Bord Bia Quality Mark.

Food labelling

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's meeting committee chair Deputy Aindrias Moynihan said: "Our committee turns its focus on food labelling at the meeting on Wednesday".

"We welcome the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). They are tasked with the enforcement of the regulations and ensuring that food products comply with labelling requirements in Ireland.

"This regulation aims to provide consumers with accurate and clear information about food products.

"It requires food business operators to provide mandatory information which includes the list of ingredients, allergen information, date marking and country of origin, where applicable," he said.

Deputy Moynihan said that the regulatory framework for food labelling in Ireland "also emphasises the importance of providing consumers with accurate and easy-to-understand information".

"By enforcing these regulations, the FSAI aims to empower consumers to make informed choices about their food," he said.

“We look forward to discussing the challenges and issues that they face in trying to ensure a safe and healthy food environment for the Irish consumer," Deputy Moynihan added.

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food has 14 members; nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.