6 March 2009 - The European Commission today adopted a new Regulation making it compulsory to label the origin of virgin and extra virgin olive oil.
Rules introduced in 2002 established optional labelling for these oils, but this proved insufficient to prevent consumers being misled about the true characteristics and origin of certain products.
"Different agricultural traditions and varied extraction and blending practices mean that the taste of olive oils from different countries can be very distinct. For this reason and in line with the traceability rules in European food law, the time is right to introduce compulsory origin labelling. Consumers deserve to know what they are buying and producers need to be able use their quality production methods as a marketing tool," said Mariann Fischer Boel, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.
Oils originating from just one country will carry the name of the Member State, or of the third country or of the Community. 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 information. Certain terms such as 'fruity', 'green', 'mature', 'mild' and 'well-balanced' - which have recently been defined by the International Olive Council - may also be used on virgin and extra virgin olive oil labels for oils complying with the definitions.
The new rules will apply from 1 July 2009. These rules complement the rules for specific oils which are protected as part of the system of Geographic Indications and are designed to offer further guarantees to consumers that what they buy in a sealed container corresponds with their preferences and expectations.