Act No. 752 laying down the legislative framework in matter of gathering, cultivation and marketing of fresh and preserved truffles for human consumption.

This Act, which consists of 20 articles and two Annexes, lays down the legislative framework related to the truffle sector. Further provisions shall be established by the Regions in compliance with this framework. The Act does not prejudice the legislation on hygienic conditions for the production and marketing of foods and beverages, contained in Act No. 283 of 30 April 1962. Fresh truffles may not be destined to human consumption unless they belong to the species listed out in article 2. Truffles belonging to species other than those defined by article 2 may not be placed on the market. Annex 1 to this Act defines the botanic features of the species that may be marketed. Truffles can be freely gathered in forests and cultivated lands. Article 3 gives the definition of controlled truffle areas and cultivated truffle areas. Voluntary Consortia may be established for the protection, gathering and marketing of truffles and for the installation of new truffle areas. Article 5 regards the authorization to collect truffles and the related qualification required. Within six months from the entry into force of this Act, the Regions must arrange the gathering schedule and fix the hours during which truffles may be gathered as well as the modalities of gathering permitted. Article 7 regulates the conditions under which truffles shall be placed on the market. Truffle processing for conservation and subsequent marketing purposes is allowed only for those species listed out in Annex 2. Articles 9-13 make provision in matter of packaging and labelling of conserved truffles. Surveillance functions are entrusted to the State Forestry Body. Article 18 sets out penalties.