Source: European Parliament
Olive oil marketing standards are a part of the agricultural product quality policy. Their purpose is to take into account the expectations of consumers, to contribute to the improvement of the production and marketing of agricultural products and their quality as well as to ensure a level playing field for EU producers.
Since 1991, olive oils are categorised based on a number of parameters, including organoleptic and chemical, currently included in Regulation 2022/2104[1].
The organoleptic characteristics are checked by panels of tasters in accordance with the International Olive Council organoleptic assessment method.
Panels are approved by Member States in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation 2022/2105[2]. Tasters undergo regular training and panels participate in ring trials to continuously improve their performance.
In addition, in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation 2022/2105, if a panel does not confirm the category declared by an operator, operators can request a counter-assessment, where the oil is assessed by two additional panels.
- [1] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 of 29 July 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards marketing standards for olive oil, and repealing Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 29/2012; OJ L 284, 4.11.2022, p. 1-22; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/2104/oj
- [2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2105 of 29 July 2022 laying down rules on conformity checks of marketing standards for olive oil and methods of analysis of the characteristics of olive oil; OJ L 284, 4.11.2022, p. 23-48; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/2105/2022-11-04