Food Diversity and Legal Protection of “Made in Italy” Label

The analysis of the relationship between food diversity and protection of the Made in Italy 1) allows to demonstrate the legal relevance of the food diversity concept; 2) opens to an alternative interpretation of the traditional concept of Made in Italy. 1) The apposition of the label Made in Italy on an alimentary product contributes to meet the right to information which is constantly recalled by the latest European legislation, and aids both health protection and customer’s security and economic interest. 2) Traditionally and linked to the product image, the safeguard of the Made in Italy has been included among the institutions to protect competition, as a tool to give value to the product original area, and with the aim to achieve a market competition. Even when the discipline of the customer’s protection has been strengthened, it was conceived as a protection of the food manufacture and marketing rather than the right to feeding. However, today the safeguard of the food market receives a legal acknowledgment only when the general disposals for human health are respected. The close connection between food and area of origin contributes to ensure feed security, a free although protected movement of the merchandise on the market, a selection and adequate amount of food which allows to put the person and his needs at the centre of the market