The decree on tomato origin and derivatives-announced at the Coldiretti Forum in Cernobbio, Italy, on Oct. 21, 2017-marks the progress of Italian initiatives for label transparency.
After the decrees on milk origin and plant location. In uncertainty over the implementation of the decrees on rice and pasta, and waiting for a measure on traceability and origin of meat in restaurants.
It is now the turn of all tomato products. The origin of the raw material was already prescribed, for a dozen years, for tomato puree. (1) It is now to be extended to other canned goods and concentrates, as well as sauces and gravies composed of at least 50 percent tomato derivatives.
The interministerial decree – signed by the ministers of Agriculture and Economic Development – stipulates the obligation to indicate the country of origin of the raw materials on the labels of the aforementioned products, when made in Italy. With the option of using the terms ‘EU countries’ and/or ‘non-EU’ in cases of using raw materials originating from more than one country.
Indications about the origin of the tomato, it goes without saying, should be placed in a prominent place on the label, in the same field of view. So that they are easily recognizable, clearly legible and indelible. As is the case with all other mandatory information.
The time effectiveness of the decree is set, on a trial basis, for a period of two years. (2) As of, it is assumed pending knowledge of the text, 180 days after its entry into force. (3) Without prejudice to the right to dispose of products that have already been packaged in the meantime with labels complying with the former standards.
The new rules in any case will lapse if and when the European Commission implements its obligations. Regarding, specifically, the obligation to disclose the different origin of the primary ingredient (>50%) of products whose origin is declared, albeit with symbols or summary phrases (flags or Made in), even on a voluntary basis. (4)
Anicav, the association of canned food industrialists in Italy, stands with Coldiretti in supporting the decree. In fact, samples of Made in Italy canned goods already voluntarily indicate the Italian origin of tomatoes on almost all labels.
Dario Dongo
Notes
(1) Pursuant to Law 204/2004
(3) Entry into force, unless otherwise provided, takes place within 15 days after the publication of the measure in the Official Gazette
(4) See reg. EU 1169/11, Article 26.3
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
