and optional quality terms for agricultural products, amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013, (EU) 2019/787 and (EU) 2019/1753 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012: This EU regulation provides the legal basis for protecting the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin as well as traditional know-how. 5. Food Labelling and Consumer Protection (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011): This regulation mandates clear and comprehensive labelling of ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information. 6. Organic Food Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 2018/848): This regulation establishes the principles of organic production and sets out the rules concerning production, certification, and the use of indications referring to organic production in labelling and advertising. 7. Italian Law No. 166/2016 (Anti-Food Waste Law): A pioneering piece of legislation that promotes the donation of surplus food, reducing waste and addressing social needs. 8. Restaurant and Business Licensing (Regional and Municipal Regulations): A complex web of local laws governing the establishment and operation of food businesses, including hygiene, employment, and taxation. Together, these legal frameworks create a comprehensive system that ensures the safety, quality, and cultural preservation of Italy’s celebrated gastronomy sector. V. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The roots of Italian food law are as deep and rich as its culinary traditions, with origins that can be traced back to the Roman era. The Romans were pioneers in creating a legal framework to govern their food supply, recognizing the importance of ensuring a steady and safe provision of food for their vast empire. They established laws to regulate the grain supply, prevent fraud in the sale of goods, and control the quality of wine and olive oil. The annona, the public distribution of grain, was a cornerstone of Roman social policy and was governed by a complex set of legal rules7. 7 The Roman annona was the state system of grain supply and distribution, essential to feeding Rome’s urban population, especially from the late Republic onward. It included the collection, storage, and subsidized or free 632 DUILIO CORTASSA
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