Incorrect labelling on foodstuffs is unacceptable for consumers, the Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Dr Patrick Wall, said today.
Dr Wall said such labels can lack clarity or even portray a product as something it is not.
Speaking at the launch of ‘The Labelling of Food in Ireland 2002’, the first comprehensive report on food labelling in Ireland, he said: "We see the production of the detailed report and summary leaflet as beneficial to consumers, enforcement officers and industry.
"Industry now has no excuse for mischievous, misleading or illegal labelling and cannot claim ignorance of the legal requirements.
"We are not against aggressive marketing, but wish to ensure that consumers are being provided with honest accurate labelling," he said.
Dr Wall also said that manufacturers should not mislead the consumer by using marketing images that could be misinterpreted, omit significant information or make undue emphasis on certain words.
"All claims must be substantiated. The onus is on the manufacturer to demonstrate that any claims are true, and they must be able to provide documentation and evidence in support of claims which outweighs any opposing evidence or opinion," he said.
The report, which was produced in response to extensive queries from consumers, and all sectors of the food industry, says that a product’s label should provide sufficient information, accurately and clearly, to enable consumers to select products according to their needs; to store and prepare them appropriately and to consume them safely.
The 180-page report brings together in detail all Irish and European law governing the labelling of food. In addition to the full report, a summary leaflet has also been produced which is available from the FSAI.
