What is it all about?

This project monitors olive oil quality to improve consumer confidence in Australian olive oil products as well as protect olive grower returns.

The Australian Standard AS5264-2011 for Olive oils and olive-pomace oils describes the minimum quality parameters for each grade of olive oil. The olive industry needs to monitor compliance with Australian standards so that consumers maintain confidence in the quality and value of olive oil they are purchasing and that Australian producers can compete on quality.

This program will determine the level of compliance with the Australian Standard and identification of brand owners who are not compliant and need assistance from the organisation.

120 EVOO samples will be collected and tested over the project's three-year life (40 samples reported each year; 20 samples reported on each six-month progress report). Samples will be tested for Free Fatty Acid content, Peroxide Value, UV Coefficients, Pyrophytins (PPPs), DAGs (1,2-diacylglycerols), and sensory testing for defects, fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency.

Where standards still need to be met, the Australian Olive Association will follow up with the producers/distributors/importers, providing constructive feedback on test results to the responsible party, including how to achieve improved quality outcomes.