USDA Revises Olive Oil Grade Standards

WASHINGTONThe U. S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) revised grade standards for olive oil will go into effect Oct. 25, 2010. The revised standards include objective criteria for the various grades of olive oil and olive-pomace oil, including definitions for extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, olive oil, refined olive oil, and olive pomace oil.

The revised standards conform to current industry standards commonly accepted in the United States and abroad, and will provide a common language for trade and provide consumers more assurance of the quality of olive oil that they purchase.

The revision could affect importers of olive oil and more than 500 domestic olive oil producers and growers. In 2008, U.S. olive oil production was 500,000 gallons; domestic olive oil consumption is roughly 454 million pounds per year, mostly imported.

The USDA published the standard for olive oil in the Federal Register on April 28, 2010. The California Olive Oil Council (COOC) filed the petition with the USDA in August 2005 for adoption of a standard, especially for extra virgin olive oil.