Law 75/2026 on “sanctioning provisions for the protection of Italian food products” will come into force on May 29. The law, published in the Official Journal on May 14, amends Title VIII of Book II of the Criminal Code by creating a new Chapter II-bis dedicated to “Crimes against the agri-food heritage“. It adds food fraud (Article 517-sexies), food trade with false markings (Article 517-septies), and an article on accessory and aggravating penalties (Article 517-octies). It also repeals Articles 516 and 517-bis of the Criminal Code.

Anyone convicted of food fraud risks imprisonment for two months to one year and a fine of €1,000 to €4,000. It is specified, however, that “punishability is excluded when the conduct, due to the small quantities or economic value of the product, or the lack of actual harm to the consumer or the market, is of minor importance.”

Anyone convicted of the crime of selling with false signs risks imprisonment from three to eighteen months and a fine of up to €20,000.

In both cases, if the offense is particularly serious or in the case of a specific repeat offense, the temporary closure of the establishment or business where the offense was committed may be ordered, from five days to three months.

Consult the regulation and see the other provisions provided for