Mayday, storm log and menu labels. On 9 May 2018, the application of Legislative Decree 231/17, which implements and sanctions the offenses relating to the reg. EU 1169/11.
Mayday (from m'aidez , help!) is the signal that since 1927 has replaced the SOS to express alarm situations. In the meantime, technology has evolved - from the radio telegraph to the web - but the alarm about consumer information on food products is still more than topical.
The 9 May 2018 comes into effect on Legislative Decree 231 / 17 which it implements in Italy the provisions on consumer information and introduces the related sanctions regime.
Interested operators are approximately 1,4 million. From primary agricultural production to food processing (industrial and artisan). New responsibilities are incumbent on distribution (traditional, organized e online) as well as on communities.
The penalties introduced by Legislative Decree 231/17 have a pecuniary administrative nature, from a minimum of € 500 to a maximum of € 40.000, and are divided into 5 brackets. In relation to the seriousness of the offenses. Subject to the application of criminal law, in both cases of frode on the market and threat to public health.
Le competent authorities are the ICQRF and https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/etichette/controlli-il-ruolo-dellamministrazione-sanitaria/ (yes, you can learn it), without excluding the others already delegated to the controls in the various areas.
The examples of unacceptable violations of the rules - to be pursued urgently - are wasted. The most serious are those of health significance, in terms of indication of allergens in particular. (2) The rules are crystal clear and yet systematically violated by the majority of operators.
Other examples they concern commercial fraud, often under the eyes of all. Deceptions on geographical indications e quantity of the characteristic ingredients, name e composition of products.
A free eBook - '1169 penalties. EU Reg. 1169/11, news on foods, controls and sanctions'was published by us and made available to all. With the invitation, which is renewed here, to make a symbolic donation to Food Allergy Italy.
And now everyone to work, let's put an end to the Mayday!
Dario Dongo
Footnotes
(1) Namely bars and public establishments - including pastry shops, ice cream parlors, fast food and take-away - as well as canteens (school, hospital, company) e catering
(2) The serious non-conformities of the labels of some industrial giants such as Nestlé, Lindt, Barilla.
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
