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This research article aims at providing a preliminary assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the EU agri-food sector between March and May 2020. To this end, an analysis of the policy and legislative measures adopted during this period at EU level is first provided. Then, national experiences of nine Member States – i.e. Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain – are described in detail, illustrating, for each country, the most relevant impacts and responses by competent authorities and stakeholders alike. Overall, whilst one can conclude that the EU agri-food sector has shown a high degree of resilience at the onset of the pandemic, the latter has nevertheless revealed its vulnerability to external threats and, with it, the need to guarantee a proper level of preparedness to ensure, in future, food security on the EU market during similar crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview and comparison of the legal aspects of natural food claims in China, the European Union (EU) and the U.S., focusing on the lack of legally binding definition of natural foods leading to uncertainty for both food companies and consumers. It demonstrates varied interpretation and legal use of natural claims on food as shown by case law, urging for a standard definition and regulation of natural claims.

The article discusses plant species Cannabis sativa L., aspects to botanical classification, secondary metabolism, phytochemistry and breeding, and legal uncertainties related to lack of regulatory frameworks for hemp and cannabis-derived foods at European Union (EU) level. Topics discussed include classified based on qualitative and quantitative contents of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), Italian Case, and hemp foods need a harmonised legal framework.

The article discusses the impact on the international trade of the African swine fever (ASF) in European Union (EU). Topics discussed include the ASF outbreak in EU along with its neighbouring countries and ASF control framework in 2014, the response of Russia and World Trade Organization (WTO) on the outbreak considering swine trade, and the EU commercial policy which may engage EU Member States in bilateral discussion to settle trade negotiation.

The article reports on an administrative fine imposed by the Italian Antitrust Authority or the Autoritá garante della concorrenza e del mercato against mineral water distributor CoGeDi International SpA for unfair commercial practices on December 22, 2014. The Authority was critical on the company's use of endorsements by medical associations, along with their logos and doctors' images. The reactions of specialised press and consumer associations to the agency's decision are mentioned.

The article discusses the regulation of the plant protection products (PPP) market in the European Union (EU). Topics include the launch of awareness campaigns on illegal marketing of PPPs by EU authorities, the amendment of enforcement tools in several EU countries, and the financial penalties for violations.