The member countries of the European Union are studying a regulatory proposal that could have a major impact on the Italian food industry.
The proposal, which still needs to be approved, provides for restrictions on disposable packaging of fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1,5 kg, unless the need to avoid loss of water or firmness, microbiological risks or impacts is proven.
The measure has been contested by Coldiretti, a major Italian agricultural producers' organization. During the event Tuttofood in Milan, Coldiretti launched a warning about the EU regulation that puts food products such as bagged salad, baskets of strawberries, packages of cherry tomatoes and netted oranges at risk, with a disruptive effect on the consumption habits of Italians and on balance sheets of agri-food companies.
Coldiretti said that the packaging regulation proposal presented by the European Commission “would imply the elimination of disposable packaging for fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1,5 kilos, considered superfluous and similar to small shampoo packaging used in hotels”, according to the newspaper La Repubblica.
The Supreme Court reaffirmed: citizenship is born with the person.
- New legal front opened
- Processes can still be filed.
- Individual assessment before any decision.
This could cause hygiene, conservation and waste problems, as well as increasing costs for consumers and producers.
The measure could also affect the quality of productions and customers’ freedom of choice.
Coldiretti highlights that the new regulation on disposable packaging and packaging would affect sectors of the “Made in Italy”, which are the most exported abroad.
The proposed EU regulation still needs to be approved and may undergo changes before it comes into force. The Italian food industry, however, is already mobilizing to protect its interests and ensure the maintenance of products that are part of consumers' routine.
