[quote align=”center”]The Ministry of Agricultural Food and Forestry Policy announces that Ministers Maurizio Martina and Carlo Calenda signed today the two interministerial decrees to introduce the obligation to indicate the origin of rice and wheat for pasta on the food labels.[/quote]
The measures introduce testing for two years in the labeling system, in line with the standard already in force for dairy products.
“It is a historic step – said Minister Maurizio Martina – that we have decided to do pending the full implementation of the European Regulation 1169 of 2011. We strive to give maximum transparency to consumer information, to protect producers and to strengthen relations between two Made in Italy’s fundamental food processing chains. With this decision, Italy is at the forefront of labeling in Europe as a key to competitiveness throughout the Italian system. We call on the European Union to make bold choices today, to give concrete answers to citizens and businesses. Much ahead of the conclusion of international trade agreements that represent an opportunity to grasp and which will have to be accompanied by increasingly strong choices for transparency and maximum information that can best combine protection and promotion of our agri-food experiences. “
THE NEWS OF DECREASES
WHEAT / PASTA
The grain / pasta decree in particular stipulates that the dry pasta packaging produced in Italy must bear the following particulars on the label:
(A) Country of grain cultivation: the name of the country in which the grain is grown;
(B) Country of milling: name of the country where the grain was ground.
If these phases happen 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 durum wheat is cultivated for at least 50% in one country, such as Italy, the term “Italy and other EU and / or non-EU countries” may be used.
RICE
The measure provides that the rice label must be indicated:
(A) “country of rice cultivation“;
(B) “processing country“;
(C) “packaging country“.
Also for rice, if these phases occur in the territory of several countries, the following entries may be used, depending on the source: EU countries, non EU countries, EU countries and non-EU countries.
ORIGIN IN THE LABEL
Origin indications must be affixed to the label in a conspicuous place and in the same field of vision in such a way as to be easily visible, clearly legible and, where appropriate, indelible.
The measures envisage a 180-day phase to adapt the companies to the new system and the disposal of labels and packaging already produced.
DECREASES IN FORCE UP TO FULL IMPLEMENTATION EU REGULATION 1169
The decrees will cease when full implementation of Article 26 (3) of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 laying down the cases in which the country of origin or the place of provenance of the primary ingredient used in the preparation of the food should be indicated, subject to its application to the Commission to adopt implementing acts which Today have not yet been emanated.
(Source: Mipaaf website – www.politicheagricole.it)
