New EU Regulation Mandates Changes in Olive Oil Production to Combat PAH Contamination

olive oil

A forthcoming European regulation will require olive oil producers to modify their production processes or risk having their products labeled as unfit for consumption.

Set to be released in September, this regulation imposes restrictions on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which are organic compounds known to cause cancer and potentially harm mammalian DNA. While virgin olive oil should ideally contain no PAH, contamination can occur during processing at olive mills or through exposure to smoke and air pollution affecting the olive skins.

One significant source of PAH contamination is the practice of pruning olive trees during olive harvesting. The lubricants used in chainsaws contain PAH, and these compounds can also be found in the chemicals used to produce jute sacks that are employed for transporting olives, enhancing their durability and waterproofing.

Two associations representing olive oil producers are urging the Ministry of Agricultural Development to inform all farmers and producers about measures they can adopt to eliminate practices during cultivation, harvesting, and extraction that lead to PAH contamination in the final product.

Giorgos Oikonomou, general manager of SEVITEL (the association of oil canners), conveyed to Kathimerini, “From this point forward, if extra virgin olive oil is found to contain these substances, it will be deemed unfit for consumption. Essentially, this means producers will have to sell any contaminated oil for biodiesel at €0.80 per liter, instead of the €8 per liter they would earn for extra virgin oil intended for consumption.”

Olive oil-producing nations have requested that the European Commission postpone the implementation of this directive until 2028, but it remains uncertain whether the Commission will agree to this request.