Governor Signs Senate Bill 634
10/2/2008
Olive Oil Definitions and Labeling Requirements Enacted into Law
On September 30, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 634 to provide stronger support to domestic olive
oil producers nationwide by giving further clarification and quality control over olive oil sold in the United States. In sum, the bill
tightens current law regarding the definition of olive oil, including flavored oils, and creates five olive oil grades for labeling and
marketing that conform with international standards.
The bill, which included amendment 2824, was sponsored by Senator Pat Wiggins (D - Santa Rosa) and supported by Assembly member Tom
Berryhill (R 25th District). According to Senator Wiggins, "Olive oil is a rapidly growing industry in California, with volume projected
to increase by 1000 percent in the next five years. California also produces 99.9% of the olive oil grown in the U.S., but state law
does not define olive oil grades, and as a result the grades commonly seen on olive oil bottles - such as extra virgin - don't need to
meet any standards," Wiggins said.
At a time when olive oil production and consumption in the United States has hit an all-time high, the new law finally gives regulatory
weight to how olive oil is labeled and marketed and substance to quality control issues that have plagued the industry involving
lower-grade oils fraudulently marketed as extra virgin.
"I was pleased to work with the olive oil industry to pass AB 2824 alongside SB 634 (Wiggins-D). Both bills will facilitate
continued growth in California's vital olive oil industry," added Assembly member Berryhill.
Alan Greene, President of the Board of the California Olive Oil Council, was enthusiastic about the passage of the bill and what
it will mean to the future of the olive oil industry. "The COOC and its members are delighted that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed
this bill. It is a strong sign of support for California-grown products and is a positive step for customers that will clean up labeling
issues that exist in the marketplace," said Greene.
"We are extremely grateful to Senator Pat Wiggins for taking on this issue and gaining strong bipartisan support in both
houses. The technical help provided by Dan Flynn and the UC Davis Olive Center was invaluable as well. The passage of this bill
will help the California olive oil grower compete on a national and world stage," Greene added.
The new law redefines olive oil to include only oil that is obtained solely from the fruit of the olive tree, without the use of
solvents or re-esterification processes and excludes any mixture with oils derived of other kinds. It provides classifications for
grades of olive oil including three categories of virgin olive oil: extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, and ordinary virgin
olive oil; as well as definitions for olive oil, refined olive oil, and olive-pomace oils.
The virgin olive oil definitions are classified by measurements of free acidity (expressed as oleic acid), peroxide levels,
and sensory standards as determined by tasting panels certified by the International Olive Council. Many in the industry consider
this landmark legislation key to the future success of olive oil growers and marketers in the U.S.
The next critical step in the quality control process will be in the hands of the USDA, which is currently developing a
program to test olive oil for adulteration and set up an independent taste panel, which might be the only way to distinguish
refined olive oil from extra virgin.
Full text of the bill and amendment can be found at
http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_2801-2850/ab_2824_bill_20080903_enrolled.pdf.
Caroline J. Beck is a food and wine writer and a columnist for the Santa Ynez Valley Journal. She divides her time between California
and the shores of Lake Huron in Michigan. She began her career in strategic marketing for companies such as Apple Computer and Microsoft
and went on to head up entrepreneurial adventures in the entertainment business for Sony. Her most recent past life included an olive
ranch and a thriving business in olive oil and specialty foods. She can be reached at carolinejbeck@hotmail.com.
Further clarifications can be found at
http://www.oliveoilsource.com/scripts/dictionary.asp?p_do=item&p_id=648.
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November
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
November 12 - 15, 2008
Pucker Up for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, Southern California's
largest wine and culinary event! Tickets are now available for all Festival events,
as we say, its lip smacking, glass clinking, celebrity watching, swishing, swirling,
mouth watering kind of fun!
You won't want to miss the 160 world-class wineries, 60 fine dining restaurants,
gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking classes, wine tasting classes,
olive oil competition, live and silent auctions, personalities, and whew, more food
and wine than you know what to do with! Come join more than 6,000 tastemakers including
legendary winemakers, celebrity chefs and others with great taste (just like you!).
For more information visit
World of Wine Events.
Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE) 2008 Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE
November 16 - 18, 2008
The sixth edition of Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo is the only natural and organic product show in the Middle East.
Dubai, the host city, is the financial capital of UAE· This event is supported by the Ministry of Health, Dubai, and the Ministry of Water and
Environment, Dubai, UAE, and leading International Trade Associations and Councils.
Exhibit Profile:
Herbs & spices, cereal products, supplements, food & beverages, natural cosmetics, health care products, natural living, healing products, natural remedies, traditional medicines, pet products, fabrics, relaxation facilities, spas, etc.
Entry to the Exhibition is Free.
The Exhibition is open to TRADE VISITORS by Invitation or Spot registration at the Registration Counter at the venue. Pre-qualification of a visitor is mandatory before entry into the exhibit hall. Upon registration, visitors will be provided with a Visitor Badge for entry to the halls.
For more information visit www.globallinksdubai.com.
December
Sonoma Valley Olive Festival
December 2008 - February 2009
The eighth annual Sonoma Valley Olive Festival lights up the Valley with a three-month-long party as we toast all things olive.
There are many fun events and promotions including the Blessing of the Olives at the Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma on December 6;
tours, tastings, and milling demonstrations; and
olive curing seminars by Don Landis.
For more information, visit the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival.
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January
Napa Valley Mustard Festival
January 31 - March 29
The Mustard Season offers a full palette of food, wine, art, entertainment, and cultural activities staged throughout
the world-famous grape growing region when fields, vineyards, and hillsides are vibrant with wild mustard in bloom.
For more information, visit the Napa Valley Mustard Festival.
February
Don Landis Presents An Olive Odyssey at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
February 14 and 15
Experience the world of the olive in old world style with host Don Landis! Jacuzzi Winery hosts a unique gathering of home olive curers offering
samples of their homemade delicacies in the stunning Tuscan courtyard. Don is on the lookout for local folks who home cure olives and
would like to join the fun. Interested people are invited to contact him for details.
For more information, visit the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival.
March
5th Annual China International Exhibition of Olive Oil and Edible Oil
China World Trade Center, Beijing
March 15 - 17, 2009
This professional exhibition offers a direct and
efficient business site for producers, exporters, importers, traders, dealers, and agents
to meet each other, achieve cooperation, and expand the influence of olive oil brands.
Consumers will also benefit by learning more about olive oil.
The 4th China International Olive Oil Competition will also take place at this event.
Olive oils will be tasted by the IOOC-recognized panel and the award-winning olive oils will be displayed for importers,
consumers, journalists and others.
For more information visit http://www.eoliveoil.com/ or contanct
contact Regalland at info@eoliveoil.com.
May
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Savantes: Professional Development and International Networks.
Seville, Spain:
May 19-21, 2009
London, United Kingdom:
May 27-29, 2009
Established in 2001, Savantes presents training courses, events and promotes excellence in extra virgin olive oil. With over 200 participants from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and North America, the programme presents the world's best extra virgin olive oils with guidance from leading independent experts. Savantes aims to inform those with a business or personal interest in olive oil on current taste and market trends around the world.
For more information visit www.savantes.com/savantes
September
WORLD CONGRESS ON OILS AND FATS & 28TH ISF CONGRESS
September 27 – 30, 2009 Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre,
Darling Harbour
Sydney, Austrailia The program will include themes related to
Biotechnology in the Fats and Oil Industry, the Fats Industry and the
Environment, Fats and Oil Commerce, Food Applications, Olive Oil,
Aquaculture, Industrial Uses of Oils including Biodiesel and Market
Forecasts. To find out more about the Congress, register your interest now
at
www.isfsydney2009.com
Olive Oil Fairs, Festivals, Competitions and Events
Disclaimer
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04/14/2008
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