Ice cream could soon have less milk following a proposal to change regulations on ice cream ingredients.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, minister of state for health promotion, instigated a review via public consultation of regulations which have been in place for 65 years.

These regulations ensure that ice cream must have minimum milk fat, milk solids and sugar content.

A statement by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said proposals to revoke these standards will be implemented as soon as possible.

The rules are “no longer fit for purpose and have largely been superseded by EU legislation,” the statement said.

Industry worth €80m

Ireland has the third highest consumption of ice-cream per capita in Europe and according to Bord Bia the industry is valued at almost €80m.

The changes are in effort to meet some of the objectives set in the Department of Health’s Strategy ‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland – Obesity Policy and Action Plan’.

The action plan is seeking to reformulate high fat, salt, sugar foods and drinks.

Impact on the dairy industry

Macra na Feirme president Sean Finan urged the Minister to ensure the milk content of Irish ice-cream is protected and to minimise the risk to milk suppliers.

“Any lowering of milk content in ice cream will have a knock on effect on the dairy industry. We recognise the need to address sugar content as part of national efforts to lower obesity levels, however, milk content must not suffer as a result.

“There is a fear out there that if this regulation is lifted without anything to take its place, manufacturers will be able to use milk alternatives and fillers which will reduce the volume of milk needed. This will have a significant impact on young dairy farmers who contribute greatly to what is a very large industry,” he said.

The Macra president added: “The minister’s intentions are certainly in the right place, but I would request that she considers the consequences of revoking this regulation.”

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