RECOMMENDATION ISSUED TO MEMBERS BY THE IOC COUNCIL

It is common knowledge that products labelled as extra virgin olive oil flavoured or infused with lemon, garlic etc or as flavoured virgin olive oil or flavoured olive oil are to be found on the marketplace.

While it is true that the market for such oils does not pose an economic threat because the volumes marketed are still very small, the fact remains that the labelling of these products is not correct according to the IOC standard and misleads marketers and consumers about their nature.

For these reasons, during its 22nd extraordinary session (Madrid, 6 June 2014) the IOC Council wished to remind its Members that such practices do not comply with the IOC standard which allows the names of “extra virgin olive oil”, “virgin olive oil” and “olive oil” to be used solely for products whose definition excludes the addition of any flavouring or other substance.

Consequently, the Council recommends its Members to take whatever steps they consider necessary for such preparations to be labelled properly in line with existing or future regulations.