The European Parliament has voted to accept new rules for food labelling, with the exception of alcoholic drinks.
The new rules mean compulsory country-of-origin labelling for meat from pig, sheep, goat and poultry.
They will also require minimum font size for mandatory information to improve legibility for consumers, and mandatory nutrition information to help consumers identify foods that meet their personal preferences or dietary requirements.
Mandatory information will also be required about allergens on pre-packed foods, non-pre-packed foods and foods sold in restaurants to enable consumers to better protect their health
Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner John Dalli said the Parliament's vote constitutes a significant step in efforts to further boost consumer empowerment and contribute to the fight against the rising levels of obesity and chronic diseases in the EU.
Food and Drink Industry Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the food sector, welcomed the vote, saying that food manufacturers have long called for updated rules on food labelling and today's vote is a significant step in the right direction.
Director Paul Kelly said the planned introduction of mandatory nutrition labelling would help inform consumers of the nutrient content of food and will complement the food industry's voluntary Guideline Daily Amount scheme.
The IFA President John Bryan also welcomed the European Parliament's decision for country of origin labelling for all meat products.
The IFA President said that Irish consumers are being misled with imported products, especially pork and poultry, being sold on the assumption that they are Irish. He said retailers and butchers must immediately move to implement country of origin labelling for all meats.
