Italy becomes the first European country to ban synthetic foods
Italy banned synthetic foods and established strong penalties for those who violate the ban with fines ranging between 10,000 and 60,000 euros, or 10% of turnover in the case of income over 60,000 euros.
In a historic decision, the Italian Parliament approved this Friday a law that prohibits the production and sale of synthetic foods, including cultured meat, making Italy the first European country to introduce such a radical measure.
The regulations, supported by the Government of Giorgia Meloni, have sparked an intense debate in society and raised concerns about their compatibility with the laws of the European Union.
The law, which is justified by arguing possible nutritional inequalities and the lack of scientific studies on synthetic foods, has been the subject of controversy since its proposal. The opposition maintains that the outright ban lacks conclusive scientific support, raising questions about the validity of the measure.
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Some critics argue that it could contradict the principle of the free movement of goods in the European Union if the marketing of synthetic foods produced in other countries is prohibited.
The reasons of those who oppose
Those who oppose the law point out that the measure could have significant economic repercussions and affect the availability of innovative food options on the market. In addition, there have been clashes outside Parliament between supporters of the rule, called by Coldiretti, the largest association of ranchers and farmers in the country, and those who reject it.
Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida defends the law, arguing that it seeks to protect public health and prevent potential social injustice associated with synthetic foods.
“There is a risk of social injustice with synthetic foods, with a society in which the rich eat well and the poor do not,” Lollobrigida said when approving the bill last March.
Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health, supports the decision as a way to safeguard the country’s agri-food heritage and culture, based on the Mediterranean diet. “The law against synthetic foods is significant: it is based on the precautionary principle because there are currently no scientific studies on their effects. We guarantee the highest level of protection of the health of citizens and the safeguarding of our nation’s heritage,” Schillaci highlighted.
Millionaire fines
The measure also provides for strong penalties for those who fail to comply with the ban, with fines ranging between 10,000 and 60,000 euros, or 10% of the turnover in the case of income exceeding 60,000 euros.
This penalty has raised additional concerns about its impact on the economy and trade, especially if Italy chooses to restrict the import of synthetic foods produced in other countries.
The Meloni Government’s decision to sign four additional decrees to provide more information to consumers about foods “outside the traditional diet” has also generated debate.
Among the measures adopted is the obligation of supermarkets to separate flours made with insects from the rest of the products, seeking to offer greater transparency and awareness about food choices.
The controversy surrounding this new law reflects the growing tension between innovation in food production and the preservation of culinary traditions. While some praise the measure as a necessary protection for public health and Italian food identity, others criticize it for its lack of solid scientific basis and its potential impact on free trade within the European Union.
