Source: European Parliament
In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/2104[1], two organoleptic characteristics and six chemical ones are among the eight parameters used to classify olive oil in different categories.
All eight parameters are analysed when performing conformity checks, in addition to 27 parameters for olive oil purity, set by the same Regulation.
The set of characteristics laid down in Regulation (EU) 2022/2104, makes the olive oil standard an exceptionally comprehensive quality standard.
The Commission considers that the work of tasting panels is harmonised to a great extent. Further harmonisation efforts are under way in the International Olive Council (IOC), of which the EU is a member.
Panels are applying the same IOC organoleptic testing method and are approved and reviewed by their national authority in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2105 on conformity checks for olive oil marketing standards[2].
In addition, tasting panels seek and obtain IOC recognition, passing yearly inter-laboratory comparison tests. European panel leaders are part of the EU delegation participating in the IOC organoleptic expert group.
All IOC recognised panels participate in a yearly IOC harmonisation workshop. As the EU is a member of the IOC, it is bound to apply IOC methods.
Nevertheless, the Commission is aware that part of the sector is not satisfied with the organoleptic method. Therefore, under the Horizon 2020, the Commission prioritised and financed research and innovation on the assessment of the qualities of olive oil, leading to the OLEUM project.
The results of the project include a new method determining volatile compounds, which is currently further developed by the IOC.
- [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; 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; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/2105/2022-11-04.