A recent report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) highlighted significant shortcomings in the European Union's food labeling system. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a clearer and more consistent approach to safeguard consumers. For food businesses operating in the EU, these challenges also present an opportunity to differentiate themselves through transparency and innovation.

The European Union has recently approved a proposal by the European Commission to ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in various food packaging. This chemical, commonly found in many products and plastic containers, is known for its ability to migrate in small quantities into food and beverages, posing a potential health risk.

The European Union has released Directive 825/2024, unveiling a blacklist targeting deceptive environmental marketing practices, aiming to curb the rampant use of misleading labels and what's known as "greenwashing". As a result, any adoption of behaviors outlined in this blacklist by companies or professionals will be prosecuted. This list equips Member States with the means to pinpoint deceptive commercial tactics employed by businesses to promote their products or manufacturing processes, often exaggerating or only partially representing their environmental attributes.

The European Parliament has given final approval to the new regulation concerning the PDO and PGI system, enhancing protections for designated origins, fostering increased transparency for consumers, and strengthening the role of consortia.

By 2026, it will be forbidden to use generic terms like "ecological," "eco-friendly," "natural," "sustainable," and "biodegradable" on product labels. The European Parliament has given the green light to a directive aimed at improving product labeling and prohibiting misleading environmental claims. These new regulations are designed to tackle various forms of greenwashing, particularly strategies used by some companies to showcase their environmental dedication while offering deceptive information about eco-friendly products.

Starting in 2024, the European Union will enforce a novel, comprehensive regulation focused on Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) products. This initiative represents a significant stride in safeguarding and promoting traditional and regional products. Under the new EU unified legislation, the registration of "Italian Sounding" products, which refers to food and beverages with names resembling those of traditional Italian products, causing consumer confusion, will be prohibited. This encompasses items like Slovenian and Cypriot balsamic vinegar, Croatian Prosek, "Parmesan" and "Gorgonzillo".

The European Parliament's Committee on Environment and Food Safety (ENVI) has approved the report on the new regulation on packaging (PPWR) proposed by the EU Commission, paving the way for significant changes, including the ban on single-use packaging, with the aim of making the packaging industry more sustainable and reducing its environmental impact.

Authentic Neapolitan pizza is now protected in the EU by the geographical certification "STG" (or "TSG", traditional specialty guaranteed). The European Union, with Regulation 2022/2313 accepted the request sent by Italy to protect the name and methods of preparation of one of the main symbols of Made in Italy in the world.

After the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, Prosecco rosé DOC has obtained the recognition that all the producers have been waiting for. The Italian sparkling rosé wine can now be sold beyond Italian borders. This important triumph represents a unique opportunity for the Italian wine industry which is now preparing to launch into foreign markets.