Food and Drink

8.1 The Green Party supports measures that encourage the use of and improve access to fresh unprocessed foods including provision of public allotments and space for farmers markets. The potential health impacts of intensive food production methods and technological innovations in food production such as the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides or genetic modification must be subject to critical evaluation.
8.2 The Green Party supports a reduction in the level of salt (sodium chloride) added to foods and the avoidance of unnecessary use of additives and preservatives in foods and beverages.
8.3 The Green Party supports measures to ensure clear and meaningful labelling of foods so that people can make an informed choice regarding what they eat. This is a complex area to regulate however it is apparent that claims such as “fat-free” on high calorie foods while strictly true are frequently misleading in their message. There is a need for continuing review of food labelling practice and regulation at a European level in addition to other efforts such as codes or practice to dissuade food business operators from making spurious or misleading claims. Publicly owned or licensed media outlets in particular should exercise oversight with respect to food claims made in material that they broadcast.
8.4 The Green Party supports the implementation of the Sydney Principles in Ireland to reduce the commercial promotion of food and beverages to children. Regulations to protect children from targeted marketing must be legally enforceable and must encompass all kinds of commercial targeting. .
( http://www.iotf.org/sydneyprinciples/document/sydneyprinciplesfinal_000.pdf )
8.5 The Green Party supports the addition of supplements and substances to food when there is a persuasive case that the supplements are safe and that food supplementation is the most effective way to achieve the desired public health benefits. Such measures may be especially effective as a way of ensuring access to improved health for the disadvantaged who may have difficulty in accessing the benefits of the supplements in other ways.
8.6 The Green Party acknowledges the continuing concerns of many people regarding health risks associated with fluoridation of water and favours the phasing out of water fluoridation. The Party also acknowledges a substantial body of evidence that fluoridation of water reduces the incidence of tooth decay particularly in groups of the population that do not regularly brush their teeth and visit the dentist. Targeted public programmes to improve education and practice related to oral hygiene and improve access to dental care in Ireland represent another approach to achieve the public health objective of water fluoridation in a way that is less controversial. While the practice of fluoridation continues it must be strictly monitored to ensure that the level of fluoride in water is maintained at the lowest possible level that provides protection against tooth decay. Local authorities should provide information to document the level of fluoride in water supplies and provide access to information on domestic systems for removal of fluoride for those who do not wish to use fluoridated water.