Brussels, 17/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 17 September, the European Commission presented to the relevant management committee a draft proposal to introduce compulsory origin labelling for virgin and extra virgin olive oil. Rules introduced in 2002 established optimal labelling for these oils, but this has proved insufficient to avoid consumers being misled about the true characteristics and origin of certain products. A vote on a draft proposal is expected around the end of 2008. If adopted, new rules would apply from 1 July 2009. The proposal above allows an end to be put to the dispute with the Italian government. The Commission had begun infringement proceedings against Italy as Italian law makes it compulsory for producers to mention the origin of the olive oil on products intended for the Italian market (EUROPE 9615).
According to the draft proposal, oil from a single country will be labelled with the name of the country of origin. When oils are blended, the operator should mention on bottles or packaging: “blend of Community olive oils” or “blend of non-Community olive oils” or “blend of Community and non-Community olive oils”. The Commission points out that certain terms describing the organoleptic characteristics of 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. (L.C./transl.jl)