Italy Extends Mandatory Origin Labeling Until End of 2026

The Italian government has officially extended the experimental decree requiring the country of origin to be clearly marked on labels for key food products, including tomato derivatives, pasta, and rice.

In a move widely applauded by agricultural associations, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry (Masaf) joined forces with the Ministries of Enterprise and Health to sign a decree extending the current labeling regime until December 31, 2026.

According to Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, knowing the origin of food is a fundamental right for consumers and a guarantee of the quality of work performed daily by Italian farmers. This extension ensures that consumers can continue to distinguish between products made with Italian raw materials and those using lower-quality foreign imports.

For the tomato sector, this mandate is particularly crucial. The regulation covers:

• Tomato derivatives: Peeled tomatoes, pulps, and concentrates (specifically those composed of at least 50% tomato).
• Prepared sauces: Any tomato-based sauce or condiment.
• Tomato purée (Passata): Which has been subject to mandatory labeling since 2008.

The extension marks another chapter in what Coldiretti (Italy’s largest farmers’ association) describes as a “historical battle” for transparency. While mandatory labeling for beef began in 2002 following the “mad cow” crisis, the tomato processing sector saw significant advancements in February 2018, when the obligation was tightened for pulps and concentrates.

Today, nearly 80% of the food shopping basket in Italy is covered by origin labeling. Agriculture leaders in regions like Puglia and Molise emphasize that this measure is the only way to close the “loopholes” in the European Customs Code, which currently allows foreign products to be “Italianized” after only marginal processing in Italy.

The decision is backed by strong domestic demand for transparency. According to the latest Coldiretti/Censis report:

• 87% of Italians place a high value on the “Italianness” of their food.
• The majority of consumers are willing to pay a premium for guaranteed origin.
• Even in lower-income households, 85% of families prioritize quality, safety, and healthiness over the lowest possible price.

While the Italian decree remains “experimental” and specific to the national market, there is a growing push for these rules to be adopted across the entire European Union. A popular initiative is currently being championed at the EU level to make origin labeling mandatory for all food products marketed within the Union, aiming to end the era of “camouflaged” foreign raw materials.

Sources : Teatro Naturale, Buona Serra, Quotidiano Molise