Italy Senate Commission approves new bread labeling regulations

The Italian Senate's Industry Commission has approved a bill that strictly regulates the labeling and sale of bread to prevent consumer deception. Under the new rules, frozen or pre-cooked bread can no longer be marketed as ‘fresh bread’.

The term ‘fresh bread’ will be reserved exclusively for products made through a continuous production process without the use of freezing or other preservation techniques, intended for sale within a limited timeframe. To ensure transparency, retail outlets must clearly distinguish fresh bread from products derived from frozen or pre-cooked doughs, utilizing separate shelving and clear information.

Violations of these labeling requirements will be treated as fraud, with penalties ranging up to the suspension of business activities. The measure has been welcomed by Confartigianato Imprese Sardegna and artisan bakers, such as Marina Manconi, president of Confartigianato Gallura, who noted that the law restores value to artisanal products and provides much-needed clarity in the market.