Masaf will maintain the Italian experimental regime that requires the indication of the origin on the label for some foods throughout 2025 .The extension to 31 December 2025 was adopted with the decree of 23 December 2024, published in the Official Journal of 12 February 2025 .
The mandatory indication of the origin (i.e. the name of the country) of the raw material on the label is a national initiative dating back to 2016.
This is an experimental regime possible under the European regulation on the matter ( Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 ) "considering the importance attributed to the actual origin of the products" by consumers.
The European regulation provides for the possibility of indicating the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient, also on the basis of the most recent implementing regulation dated 2018.
A debated topic in the EU
The European Commission is working on a revision of Regulation 1169/2011 , with the aim of harmonising labelling rules and responding to consumers' requests for greater transparency.With this extension, the Italian government intends to maintain an effective protection system while waiting for a definitive regulatory framework at European level, aimed at "promoting Made in Italy agri-food products" and "guaranteeing greater transparency for consumers".
The aim of the law, in fact, is to allow citizens to make informed choices, combat counterfeiting and protect Italian production chains , often threatened by competition from products of uncertain origin.
The products involved
The decree extends until the end of 2025 the obligation to indicate the origin on the label for:- Rice , as defined by Law 18 March 1958, n. 325;
- Durum wheat pasta , excluding special pasta;
- Tomato products , including sauces and gravies in which tomato constitutes at least 50% of the total net weight;
- Milk and milk products, intended for human consumption;
- Processed pork , including minced, mechanically separated and pork preparations.