3610. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the engagement her Department has had with consumer groups, health food retailers and members of the public regarding the proposed EU maximum permitted levels for food supplements; if she has considered the concerns expressed through the national petition signed by over 20,000 people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57007/26]

The Deputy may be aware that the European Commission is examining possible harmonised maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods. This work remains at an early stage and no legislative proposal has yet been adopted.

The Department of Health is monitoring developments closely and is engaging with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which provides scientific and technical advice in this area. Any position taken by Ireland will be informed by scientific evidence, public health considerations, stakeholder engagement and discussions at EU level.

The FSAI has engaged with industry stakeholders, including representatives of the food supplement sector, while officials in my Department have engaged with relevant health professional stakeholders to better understand the issues arising and the potential implications of any future EU proposals. The Department is also aware of concerns expressed by a range of stakeholders regarding the potential impact of future maximum levels on the availability of food supplements.

The petition and website referred to by the Deputy are not official Government consultation mechanisms and, accordingly, the Department is not in a position to comment on the content of material published on a private website or on claims made therein. However, the concerns raised by stakeholders and members of the public regarding this issue are noted.

The Government is committed to ensuring that Irish interests are represented in ongoing EU discussions. Should the European Commission undertake a public consultation or call for evidence, consumers, retailers, health professionals, industry representatives and other interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to make their views known. Those views, together with scientific evidence and public health considerations, will be taken into account in the development of Ireland's position as discussions progress.