Agri-foodstuffs, from 29 May the offence of trading with misleading signs takes effect
The offence of food fraud is also created. What is new in Law 75/2026 to protect Italian food products
From 29 May it will be an offence to offer food for sale with labels with distinctive marks or false or misleading indications to mislead the purchaser on the origin, provenance, quality or quantity of food and ingredients. The offence will be included in the list of those for which a cause for non-punishment is provided for in favour of agents and officers of the judicial police, as well as auxiliaries, involved in undercover operations.
In addition to the trade in foodstuffs with misleading signs, the offence of food fraud was also created, which aims to protect foodstuffs, waters and beverages that - in terms of origin, provenance, quality or quantity - are substantially different from those indicated, declared or agreed upon.
Also on the way is the newmark for agri-food products with a protected designation of origin (Dop) and protected geographical indication (Igp) made by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato. These are some of the novelties envisaged bylaw 75/2026, published in the Official Gazette on 14 May and in force since 29 May.
The novelties under criminal law
The law also provides for the possibility of using telephone tapping in proceedings concerningfood fraud and trading foodstuffs with misleading signs. In the field of criminal procedure, the application of the evidentiary incident will also be extended to analysis activities on perishable foodstuffs. For confiscated foodstuffs that are fit for human or animal consumption and are not counterfeit or deteriorated, the door of solidarity will now open: they will be able to be donated free of charge to needy people or to local, charitable or public bodies for charitable purposes. Destination for other purposes will constitute the offence of misappropriation of public funds.
Administrative Sanctions
The administrative fines for violations of fair information practices, food name, list of ingredients and indication of country of origin or place of provenance are tightened: they will be determined as a variable amount or as a percentage of turnover.
