Mandatory origin on the label for tomato by-products

The measures laid out in the decree introduce testing for two years

The interministerial decree was signed by the Minister of Agricultural Policy Maurizio Martina and the Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda to introduce the obligation to indicate the origin of tomato by-products. From now on, the label must feature where the vegetable is grown and where it is processed. The long-awaited news was announced at the Coldiretti forum in Cernobbio.

Therefore, restrictions and strict obligations imposed by the government against foreign tomatoes. Tomato concentrates, sieved tomatoes, but also sauces or dressings with tomatoes accounting for at least 50% of the ingredients must feature the required origin and processing information on the label. If these steps take place in more than one country, the following terms may be used, depending on the origin: EU countries, non-EU countries, EU and non-EU countries. The product can feature “Tomato origin: Italy” on the label only if all the steps have been carried out in Italy.

The measures – as in the case of dairy products, pasta and rice – will have a two-year trial phase, so that companies can adapt to the new regulation and dispose of old packaging.

The information must be placed in a clear and visible area on the label for consumers.

“We believe that this choice – said Minister Martina – should be extended at a European level, guaranteeing the full implementation of regulation 1169 of 2011. The issue of the transparency of information for consumers is a crucial point for the production system model we want to support.”
This is also a great result for Coldiretti, which has long been backing battles against tomato puree and chopped tomatoes from China and marketed under Italian brands.