Standards Australia olive oil standard

Standards Australia has approved a new olive oil standard for both imported and domestic oils. The standard will promote and protect authentic products and put consumers in a much stronger position when it comes to making informed choices.

The voluntary standard was developed with input from the entire supply chain. The Australian Standard for Olive and Olive-Pomace Oils clearly outlines different grades of oil - whether fresh or refined; unambiguously defines what constitutes Extra Virgin Olive Oil; includes the most current and effective testing methods for quality and authenticity; provides a technical basis for ‘best before’ claims; and provides labelling requirements to minimise consumer confusion.

There will be a crackdown on misuse of the words ‘premium’, ‘super’, ‘pure’, ‘light/lite’, ‘extra light/lite’ and words describing country/region of origin will require substantiation as will processing methods (eg, cold pressed, first extraction). The natural variations that occur in different countries, olive varieties and regions will be accommodated, without compromising the ability to test and verify quality.