17 September 2008 - Today Member States discussed a draft European Commission proposal to introduce compulsory origin labelling for virgin and extra virgin olive oil.
Rules introduced in 2002 established optional labelling for these oils, but this has proved insufficient to avoid consumers being misled about the true characteristics and origin of certain products.
As a result of agricultural traditions and local extraction and blending practices, such oils may be of quite different taste and quality depending on their geographical origin.
Therefore, the Commission intends to propose compulsory origin labelling for virgin and extra virgin olive oil.
Oils coming from just one country will carry the name of the country of origin. Blends will be labelled either "blend of Community olive oils", "blend of non-Community olive oils", "blend of Community and non-Community olive oils" or, equivalent indications.
Certain terms describing the organoleptic characteristics referring to the taste and/or smell of virgin and extra virgin olives have recently been defined by the International Olive Council and it is intended that these terms may also be used on labels.
Following today's discussion, the Commission intends to notify the draft rules to the World Trade Organisation TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) Committee, a procedure which allows a period for comments of 60 days. A vote on a draft proposal is expected around the end of 2008. If adopted, new rules would apply from 1 July 2009.