Allergy sufferers to benefit from stricter EU rules on clothes labelling
Issued : Wednesday 11 May, 2011
Allergy sufferers and people concerned about animal welfare will benefit from new EU clothes-labelling rules, according to Labour MEP for Ireland South, Phil Prendergast.
"EU citizens have a right to know the make-up of the clothes they wear. This regulation will allow them to identify products containing elements of animal origin.
"When used in garments, for example, as trimmings, such materials are currently not subject to mandatory labelling. Most consumers are unaware of this, and may not know the exact make-up of the textiles they buy. "EU regulation providing for this already exists for footwear, so it makes sense to give consumers with the same level of information when they buy clothes.
"Some people don’t want to wear garments made from animals on ethical grounds. This directive will mean they can make more informed choices about the clothes they buy.
"Allergy sufferers, in particular, stand to gain from this proposal, as animal hides can cause adverse reactions such as asthma and skin irritation." Speaking in the parliament for the first time since her ratification as an MEP, Ms Prendergast said: "The European Commission must also study possible links between potentially hazardous chemicals used in textiles and allergic reactions. Substances such as colourings, biocides, preservatives and nanoparticles need to be tested for safety.
"Future applications for new textile fibre names must include available scientific data on possible allergic reactions and other adverse effects on human health.
"I also look forward to the European Commission's report on the feasibility of country-of-origin labelling. If consumers know where their garments come from, they can make better informed decisions and be protected against misleading claims.
"It should be stressed that these are balanced proposals which exempt clothes made by self-employed tailors from the labelling requirements."
