MIPAAF: published in the Official Gazette the decree introducing the obligation to indicate on the label the origin of tomato derivatives

The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies announces that the inter-ministerial decree, signed by the Ministers Maurizio Martina and Carlo Calenda, has been published in the Official Gazette to introduce the obligation to indicate the origin of tomato products.

The provision introduces two years of testing of the labeling system, in line with the standard already in force for dairy products, pasta and rice. The decree applies to derivatives such as preserves and tomato concentrate, as well as sauces and sauces that are composed at least for 50% from tomato derivatives.

“We are moving forward on the path of transparency on the label and quality - affirms Minister Maurizio Martina - especially in a strategic supply chain such as that of tomatoes. The new labels will help strengthen the relationships between those who produce and those who transform. In this way we protect not only our products, but also the work of our companies and consumers. We are convinced - concludes Martina - that this choice must be extended to the European level, thus ensuring the full implementation of the EU regulation 1169 of 2011. Citizens have the right to clearly know the origin of the raw materials of the foods that end up on their tables . "

THE NEWS OF THE DECREE

The measure provides that packs of tomato, sauces and sauces produced in Italy must bear the following words on the label:

  1. (a) Country of tomato cultivation: the name of the country in which the tomato is grown;
  2. (b) Country of tomato processing: the name of the country in which the tomato was processed.

If these phases occur in the territory of several countries, the following entries may be used, depending on the country of origin: EU countries, non EU countries, EU countries and non-EU countries.
If all operations take place in our country, the term "Tomato Origin: Italy" may be used.

VISIBLE ORIGIN IN LABEL

The indications on the origin must be affixed on the label in an evident point and in the same field of vision so as to be easily recognizable, clearly legible and indelible.
The measures envisage a phase for the adaptation of the companies to the new system and the complete disposal of the labels and packaging already produced.

IN FULL UP TO FULL IMPLEMENTATION EU 1169 REGULATION

The decree will lapse in the event of full implementation of Article 26, paragraph 3, of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 which provides for the cases in which the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient used must be indicated in the preparation of foods, making its application subject to the adoption of implementing acts by the Commission, which to date have not yet been issued.

OVER 82% OF ITALIANS ASK FOR TRANSPARENCY IN THE INDICATION OF ORIGIN OF TOMATO IN THE DERIVATIVES

Over 82% of Italians consider it important to know the origin of raw materials for issues related to compliance with food safety standards, in particular for tomato derivatives. These are the data that emerged from the online public consultation on the transparency of information on the label of agri-food products, carried out on the website of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, in which over 26 thousand citizens participated.

 

MIPAAF: published in the Official Gazette the decree introducing the obligation to indicate on the label the origin of tomato derivatives

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