Regulations are being introduced to make it obligatory for the variety and size range of new potatoes to be indicated on the label.
The potatoes will also have to meet minimum quality standards such as appearance and freedom from defects and plant diseases.
The proposal will bring new potatoes into line with the labelling rules, grading and quality standards applied to maincrop potatoes since the introduction of the legislation in 1977.
The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, said that these changes follow on from detailed discussions which he and his colleague, Minister of State Noel Treacy, had with growers representatives over the past year.
The move is also in accord with Government policy in the whole area of consumer protection.
He said the amendment would help prevent potential mislabelling practices and provide additional information and safeguards to the consumer.
Mr Walsh said that this additional labelling information would help consumers make an informed choice regarding the variety and quality of potatoes they buy.
The Minister stated that there are currently excellent quality new potatoes coming on the market from Irish growers.
When the legislation is in place it will be an offence for any person to sell or offer for sale new potatoes which do not comply with the regulations.
