Minister in charge “We will fight with France and Spain… We will also consider filing a complaint with the WTO”
Italy, a major wine exporter, strongly protested Ireland’s decision to put health warnings on bottles of wine, calling it “unacceptable”.
“Our position is clear,” said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Francesco Lollobrigida in response to government questions held in the Senate in Rome on the 26th (local time).
“Any statement that could stigmatize wine as unhealthy is unacceptable.”
“We want to bring the truth back to the fore,” said Lollobrigida, adding, “Ireland’s actions cannot be justified by any scientific evidence.”
Ireland plans to put labels on bottles warning of the risk of liver disease and cancer from alcohol abuse.
When the measure officially comes into force, the drinks industry will have to put warnings on bottles.
Italy, one of the main wine exporters, argues that placing health warnings on bottles is excessive, as drinking too much is not only a problem, but drinking in moderation is actually beneficial to health.
From 2021, Italy, the world’s second largest wine exporter after France, has no choice but to react sensitively.
Minister Lollobrigda said, “We will co-operate with France and Spain, major wine exporters, to oppose the Irish government’s mandatory warning policy.”
He also added that he could consider filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) if he is unable to reach an agreement with Ireland.
Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Charlie McConnalogue, will receive a bottle of wine as a gift at the European Union (EU) Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on the 30th, Lollobrigida said.
The great-niece of legendary Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida, who died recently, said: “We’ll give him a bottle of wine so he knows we don’t intend to harm his health.” I am confident that we will overcome and find a point of agreement.”
/happy news
