Grades
Feb. 2, 2026
Study Finds Virgin Olive Oil Linked to Better Gut Health and Slower Cognitive Decline
New research suggests that virgin and extra virgin olive oil may support brain health by shaping the gut microbiota, while refined oils show weaker effects.
Jan. 28, 2026
Congressional Bill Would Require Federal Definition for Olive Oil Labels
A bipartisan bill in Congress would require the FDA to establish a national standard of identity for olive oil, a move supporters say would strengthen enforcement and protect consumers.
Jan. 27, 2026
Olive Oil Times Sommelier Certificate Program Returns to London in March
The Olive Oil Times Education Lab will host its five-day Sommelier Certificate Program in London from March 9 to 13, offering immersive instruction in olive oil sensory analysis, production, health, culinary applications and quality assessment.
Jun. 16, 2025
New Method Detects Olive Oil Adulteration, Reduces Environmental Impact
Researchers have developed a fast, cost-effective method to detect olive oil adulteration using side-front face fluorescence spectroscopy.
May. 22, 2025
The Ongoing Controversy of Flavored Olive Oils
Market research predicts the flavored olive oil category will grow more quickly than the rest of the olive oil category.
Mar. 13, 2024
Olive Oil Times Launches Ranking Data Portal
The portal lists the most-awarded producers and brands, updated in real-time, along with detailed historical results data by hemisphere, country, cultivar and organic classification
Nov. 15, 2023 News Briefs
Mar. 20, 2023 Grades
Lab Test Would Define the Sensory Profile of Olive Oil by Analyzing Its Molecules
Jan. 3, 2023 Grades
Researchers Develop Cheaper, More Effective NMR Techniques to Test Olive Oil
Nov. 30, 2022 Grades
Jan. 20, 2022 Basics
Sep. 8, 2021
Spain Approves New Rules Governing Olive Oil Quality and Standards
The new laws update the previous ones from 1983 and are meant to add value for producers, promote consumption and fight fraud.
May. 18, 2021
New Testing Method Simplifies Elemental Analysis of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Samples
Using the new method, researchers could more quickly and accurately identify chemical elements in olive oil, helping determine provenance and identify adulteration.
Apr. 1, 2021
Researchers Identify Main Types of Olive Oil Fraud, Propose Solutions
A scientific review identified the most prevalent types of olive oil fraud and proposed countermeasures including more cooperation among regulatory bodies.
Mar. 11, 2021
High-Polyphenol Extra Virgin Olive Oil May Lower Risk of Vascular Diseases Associated with Diabetes
While the results of the study confirm previous findings, the message from researchers is new: The type of olive oil used in cardiovascular health studies is an important variable.
Mar. 9, 2021
Oleum Develops New Tools for Extra Virgin Olive Oil Analysis, Authentication
The analysis tools will impact the way blends are made, olive oil quality is assessed and shelf-life is evaluated, according to researchers.
Feb. 24, 2021
Even Dark Glass Bottles Leave Extra Virgin Olive Oil Susceptible to Oxidation, Study Finds
Extra virgin olive oil in dark glass bottles suffers significant degradation in supermarket-like conditions, researchers in Italy found.
Dec. 29, 2020
Spain Seeks New Technology for Olive Oil Quality Testing
Spain’s central government is working with local authorities and members of the olive oil sector to improve olive oil testing and quality standards.
May. 30, 2014
Council Seeks Input on Olive Oil Definitions and Test Methods
Under a new system designed to boost transparency, the IOC has begun circulating proposals on new or revised methods of analysis, parameters or limits.
Jun. 13, 2013
Olive Oil Quality Seals? Take Your Pick
Quality seal programs certify the quality of the olive oils displaying their stickers so consumers can buy with confidence.
May. 20, 2013
New Farm Bill Includes Olive Oil Controls
The U.S. Farm Bill of 2012 failed to pass, but a new version is back with the same provision for olive oil as last year’s version.
Mar. 22, 2013
New World Fails in Push to Raise Campesterol Limit for Olive Oil
New World producers have again failed in a bid to raise the limit for campesterol in olive oil, which they say acts as a trade barrier.
Aug. 2, 2012
Test to Detect Explosives Also Finds Bad Olive Oil
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have proven that ion mobility spectrometry, the analytical technique most commonly used to detect explosives and at airports, is also effective for identifying fraudulent olive oil.
Jul. 30, 2012
Chemists' Society Offers Proficiency Testing for Olive Oil Sensory Panels
AOCS recognition will give sensory panels an opportunity to demonstrate to olive oil producers, retailers, and importers that they are accurately assessing olive oil quality.
Jul. 12, 2012
Argentina to IOC: Campesterol Level Must Change
Argentina continued its push for a revision to the International Olive Council limit for campesterol in olive oil at the IOC Council of Members meeting in Buenos Aires.
Dec. 6, 2011
Critical Information for Olive Oil Decision Makers
Top olive oil experts will share insights to help distinguish good quality olive oil from bad at a January 12 conference presented by the Culinary Institute of America and the UC Davis Olive Center.