Digital Crackdown on Fake 'Greek' Labels: AADE’s Plan for Milk and Meat

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is moving to close a significant gap in the food supply chain by developing a digital mechanism to link raw material origins with final products. The focus is on dairy and meat, aiming to curb illegal "Greek-naming" (fraudulent labeling of imports as domestic) through comprehensive data cross-referencing.

The 'Farm to Shelf' Mechanism

The plan, currently in its early stages, is built on creating a verifiable balance of inputs and outputs. Data regarding milk deliveries from livestock farms and raw material imports will be digitally cross-referenced with the production volumes declared by processing plants. Any discrepancy between the available Greek milk and products labeled as "Greek" could serve as a starting point for audits.

According to Christos Tsombanos, a board member of ETHEAS, the design includes electronic barcodes for every product leaving a facility. This will allow for a direct comparison between production codes and the quantity of Greek raw materials used. Furthermore, the future utilization of the "Artemis 2" system is anticipated to bolster these efforts.

Digital Tools and Timelines

A central tool in this initiative is the digital delivery note. While the first phase of mandatory digital issuance is already active, additional procedures for recording loading, transshipment, and receipt—along with the transmission of qualitative and quantitative data—will be activated starting October 12, 2026. Additionally, an informal 40-day timeline has been mentioned for the preparation of a data declaration form by the Authority.

Pressure on Domestic Production

The urgency for stricter controls is heightened by a decline in domestic raw material availability. Data reveals that sheep milk production in the first seven months of 2026 reached 540,000 tons, a decrease of approximately 7% compared to the same period last year (580,000 tons). This production drop, coupled with rising demand, makes it vital to ensure that origin labels accurately reflect the product's source.