Brussels, 04/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 4 February, the member states of the EU supported the proposal of the European Commission for an obligatory indication on the labelling of origin of virgin and extra virgin olive oil from 1 July 2009 (see EUROPE 9742 for the proposal).
Rules introduced in 2002 established optional labelling for these oils, but these proved insufficient to avoid consumers being misled about the true characteristics and origin of certain products. 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 oils. (L.C./transl.fl)