After a complex legislative process, a bill aiming at boosting competitiveness of the food industry and especially at defining clear rules for consumer labelling of food products, has been approved by the Italian Parliament.

The keystone of the new law is its Article 4 which stipulates that on the label the place of origin or provenance of food products should be indicated. ''Thanks to new rules introduced,” explained by the Minister of Agriculture Giancarlo Galan, “it 's possible to provide clear and accurate information to consumers about the provenance of the foods customers buy and eat every day.”

“Italian consumers,” pointed out Mr Galan, “will be able to buy products made in Italy, without any confusion due to misleading labels, and therefore help support traditional products which are abundant in our country.” In addition, Article 5 of the law states that the omission of information about the area of origin or provenance of food constitutes a ‘deceptive trade practice under the Consumer Code’.

Another significant aspect of the bill regards food product 'tracing' and the introduction of new sanctions to ensure conformity. In addition to the new labelling norms, Article 2 contains increased penalties for violation of rules, especially limiting the use of powdered milk and doubling fines where the breach relates to PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed).

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