Judgment No. 26278 of 2023: Merchant Liability in Case of Food Products

The recent judgment No. 26278 of April 26, 2023, provides important clarifications on the liability of merchants of food products, particularly regarding defects in products in original packaging. This decision, issued by the Court of Cassation, fits within the context of Law No. 283 of 1962, which regulates the sale and safety of food. Let’s analyze the main elements of the judgment and its practical implications.

The Regulatory Context

Law No. 283 of 1962 is fundamental for ensuring food safety in Italy. Articles 5 and 6 establish the offenses related to the sale of food that does not comply with hygiene regulations. However, Article 19 of the same law provides an exemption from liability for merchants, provided that the products are distributed in original packaging and free from external alterations. The judgment in question aims to clarify what is meant by "qualified culpability," necessary to attribute liability to the merchant.

The Summary of the Judgment

Regulation pursuant to Article 19 of Law No. 283 of 1962 - Products in original packaging and free from external alterations - Exemption from liability for the merchant – Conditions and limits. Regarding the regulation of food, for the purpose of affirming the merchant's liability for the offenses referred to in Articles 5 and 6 of Law No. 283 of April 30, 1962, in the case of products distributed in original packaging, affected by defects related to their intrinsic requirements or their composition or the internal conditions of the containers, a "qualified" culpability is required, resulting from the knowledge of the violation of hygiene regulations or from the failure to consider signs of alteration present on the original packaging, ascertainable based on an external examination.

The Court reiterated that to attribute liability to the merchant, qualified culpability is necessary. This means that the merchant must be aware of the violation of hygiene regulations or must ignore evident signs of alteration on the packaging. This aspect is crucial, as it offers protection to merchants who comply with regulations and cannot be held responsible for intrinsic defects in the products.

Practical Implications of the Judgment

This judgment has several implications for merchants and consumers:

  • Clarifies the limits of liability for products in original packaging.
  • Reiterates the importance of proper oversight by merchants.
  • Provides guidance on the requirements for culpability in attributing liability.

In an increasingly safety-conscious market, it is essential that merchants understand their rights and duties. Judgment No. 26278 fits within a framework of protection for both consumers and merchants, emphasizing the need for adequate oversight and accountability.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Judgment No. 26278 of 2023 represents an important step forward in the regulation of merchant liability for food products. It is essential that professionals in the food sector remain informed about these regulations to ensure not only legal compliance but also consumer safety. Knowledge of regulations and judgments in this area is fundamental for effectively navigating legal responsibilities in food commerce.

Bianucci Law Firm