After EU wrangling, the distinctive taste of Irish chocolate was spared any tampering yesterday. The parliament voted to accept it as "real" chocolate. But while the unique milk chocolate taste has been protected, new labelling regulations are to be introduced.
Following a parliament vote, chocolate-makers will have to state on the front of the label that the bar contains vegetable fat. They must also state chocolate with more than 20 per cent milk content has a "high milk content".
The EEC exempted Ireland, the UK and Denmark from rules defining the content of chocolate when the three countries joined in 1973. But, in theory, Irish-made chocolate is banned from sale in eight member-states, including France, Belgium and Italy - countries which have a long tradition of making chocolate using cocoa products.
Cadbury says the vegetable fat content gives their bars the "snap" factor and the "chocolate taste that everybody on these shores are familiar with". The company, which employs 1,650 people, produces over one billion bars at its factory in Coolock in Dublin. A Cadbury spokesman said yesterday its chocolate bars have a 20 per cent fat content.
Green MEP, Mr Paul Lannoye, presented his report on chocolate and cocoa to the parliament yesterday. It stressed the consequences of the inclusion of vegetable fats as a substitute for cocoa butter for the Third World cocoa-producing countries; how the quality of chocolate is affected by using vegetable fats and the importance of correct labelling.
The Fianna Fail MEP for Leinster, Mr Liam Hyland, said yesterday the chocolate industry is very important to Ireland as it employs up to 3,000 people.
The decision will have to be passed by the European Council of Ministers.