Investigative report
The meaning of “Made in Italy 100%” implies the selection of raw materials and the entire production process within national borders, compliance with uniform quality standards, the adoption of sustainable practices, and the direct involvement of local artisan skills – we can truly understand its value. But to protect and ensure that “Made in Italy” 100 percent corresponds to authentic and transparent products, a series of legal, technological, and informational tools are needed. Every step, from the field to the table, must be recorded and easily accessible to the consumer, ensuring that data on origin and processes cannot be falsified.
First of all, it is important to clarify that a product Made in Italy made with foreign ingredients does not constitute fraud, because the law allows it.
Food frauds, however, consist of:
- Adulteration: addition of undeclared or unauthorized substances to food, such as unauthorized dyes, excessive preservatives, or substances to mask quality defects;
- Sophistication: partial or total replacement of valuable ingredients with others of lesser value, maintaining the appearance of the original product. A classic example is olive oil “cut” with less expensive seed oils;
- Counterfeiting: production and sale of food that imitates branded products or products with protected designations, such as fake Parmigiano Reggiano;
- Alteration of labeling: false indications on origin, composition, expiration date, production methods (organic, Protected Designation of Origin (DOP), Protected Geographical Indication (IGP)), or nutritional properties;
- Quantitative fraud: sale of products with weight or volume less than that declared.
The true Made in Italy 100 percent product exists because serious companies exist, and controls are in place by the bodies that issue certifications attesting to Made in Italy 100 percent.
Excellence protected by ironclad regulations
The certifications that protect us:
- DOP (Protected Designation of Origin): 100% Italian and territorial production chain;
- IGP (Protected Geographical Indication): one production phase in Italy, raw materials also from abroad;
- DOC/DOCG (Controlled Designation of Origin/Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin): only for wines, requires local grapes and winemaking in the area.
The most common frauds: false declarations of origin (foreign products passed off as Italian), minimal processing (foreign semi-finished products with a final symbolic processing in Italy), DOP/IGP counterfeiting, and adulteration (mixing with substandard ingredients), substitution of raw materials, improper use of unauthorized or only evocative DOP/IGP names.
Some frauds occur during the mixing phase, or in transit, exploiting logistics to northern and eastern Europe.
Now let’s see in summary what the situation is like in France, Germany, Spain
In France, for the official “Origine France Garantie” certification, the product must acquire its essential characteristics in France (last substantial transformation), with at least 50% of the unit production cost deriving from activities carried out in France (labor, processed raw materials, industrial expenses).
France is positioning itself as a pioneer in the adoption of digital traceability, with a systemic approach that includes innovative blockchain and QR code technologies in the meat, dairy and fruit sectors since 2018.
In Germany, a product can be “Made in Germany” only if the last substantial transformation takes place in Germany. Particular labeling on the method of production is mandatory on meat, classifying farming on five levels (from indoors to organic).
Spain maintains a more flexible approach, allowing the use of “Made in Spain” when part of the production process takes place in the country. In Spain, the use of blockchain for typical products such as Iberian ham (Jambon iberico), fruit, vegetables and fish products is growing.
Clear and strict laws
Italy and France emerge as the countries with the strictest rules for indicating origin.
Recommending readers to read the labels carefully before each purchase. Always buy Made in Italy 100% products because they are true world-class excellences.
Enrico Sgariboldi
Copyright notice © 2025 Enrico Sgariboldi (Author) – Text registered on Lutinx blockchain to protect against unauthorized reproduction. websgari@gmail.com
