The Covid-19 crisis risks overwhelming even the Italian food sector, which is now forced to run for cover to defend itself from fake news and economic speculations. Among the urgent measures taken by the Italian government to deal with the coronavirus emergency, there are also two interventions that have taken on board the demands of the food and beverage sector.
On the one hand, the Italian Ministry of Health has issued an official note in which it specifies that there is no scientific evidence to support the news of the transmission of Covid-19 through food. The safety of food produced in Italy (such as milk, butter, yogurt and cheese) continues to be therefore guaranteed according to current regulations. This is why any request for certification that is not provided for is to be considered inappropriate.
The Italian government has just introduced fines (from 15,000 to 60,000 euros) for operators who want a “coronavirus free” certificate for Italian products.
CORONAVIRUS AND THE DEFENCE OF THE ITALIAN DAIRY SECTOR
Italian dairy industries association Assolatte agrees with these measures, which also support the Italian dairy sector. It is a sector of fundamental importance for the Italian economy and society, which has never stopped working even in these days of emergency, continuing to provide every day milk, butter, yogurt and cheese, and delivering them to over 50 thousand stores throughout the country.
And it is precisely the fame, appreciation and success of Italian dairy products that is making them the main ‘victim’ of international speculation and fake news.