In recent years, transparency in food information has become a hot topic. Customer-centric Europeans increasingly pay attention to the quality and origin of the products they buy.
In this context, the European Court of Auditors reiterated the need to strengthen the Union’s legal framework on labelling, aimed at that all European citizens have access to the same information on food; They use, eliminate disparities between different Member States and combat fraudulent practices.
This is an announcement, welcomed by Colderetti and Fillera Italia, that restarts the issue of mandatory indication of origin on all food products, but also A move that could mark a turning point. Both for consumer protection and for the European agri-food sector.
Original on the label: What will change.
Currently, seven EU member states (including Italy, France and Spain) A mandatory national system has been adopted to indicate the origin of certain food products. However, this distribution creates disparities between European consumers, who do not always have the same information about the food they buy.
The Court of Auditors therefore highlighted. Urgent need for harmonized legislation which fills these gaps, ensuring equal transparency across the Union.
In line with this direction, Colderity has launched a Collection of signatures A popular initiative would be to promote legislation that would make it mandatory Indication of origin on all food items. Its purpose is to combat imported products disguised as Italian, to protect the health of citizens and the income of farmers.
Economic implications and opportunities for the agri-food sector
The introduction of European-wide harmonized labeling for food products will certainly happen. Major economic impactswhich will cover various aspects of the market and agri-food supply chains.
On the one hand, the greater transparency that would result from a clearer and more unified labeling system Strengthening the competitiveness of Made in Italy. With mandatory indications of origin on all food products, consumers will be able to more easily distinguish authentic Italian products, reducing the risk of unfair competition from imported foods that are often sold locally.
Another fundamental aspect concerns the protection of public health. The obligation to identify the origin of the product will allow consumers to do so. Make smarter food choicesReducing the risk of food fraud and improving product safety in the market. With clear traceability, it will be easier to trace and recall products that may pose health risks from the market, helping to protect consumers as well as the entire food system. Increases confidence.
On the other hand, adopting the new rules will represent a significant economic commitment for food companies. Updating labels, introducing more stringent traceability systems and adopting new provisions will require investment in technology, human resources and training. This can be an economic burden.And put more burdens on small businesses.who often have less room for maneuver than larger manufacturers. Smaller companies may therefore find it difficult to adapt to new regulations, risk slowing growth or, in some cases, even going out of business.
Indeed, the EU Court of Auditors’ decision represents an opportunity for a paradigm shift in food labelling, with potential benefits for consumers and the entire European agri-food sector. However, it will happen It is important to balance the needs. Avoiding solutions that penalize transparency, tradition and quality with economic and productivity considerations.
