WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman Josh Harder (CA-09) to introduce the Olive Oil Standards Act. California is the nation’s leading producer of olive oil, and the United States remains one of the largest olive oil markets in the world. Yet despite the growing domestic industry and consumer demand, the U.S. still lacks a uniform, enforceable standard of identity and grade standards for olive oil. This bipartisan bill directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish clear identity and grade standards for olive oil to protect consumers from misleading labeling and producers from unfair global marketplace conditions. 

“The Central Valley is one of the nation’s leading regions for olive oil production, and as demand grows, it’s important industry standards can keep up,” said Congressman Valadao. “By establishing identity and grade standards, we can protect consumers from misleading labeling, promote transparency in the marketplace, and ensure a level playing field for our domestic olive oil producers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan solution to bring long-overdue clarity and accountability to the olive oil market.”

“We already have the best olives grown right here in our own backyard, but Valley products are being crowded out in the grocery aisle by fake and fraudulent products. That hurts local businesses and shoppers,” said Rep. Harder. “It’s past time to crack down on misleading products once and for all. This common sense bill gives shoppers the transparency they need to buy local and keep their families healthy.”

“This legislation is a win for U.S. olive oil consumers and farmers,” said Kimberly Houlding, President and CEO of the American Olive Oil Producers Association. “When enacted, it will ensure that what is on the label is in the bottle and that the health benefits and value of extra virgin olive oil are preserved for all.”

The Olive Oil Standards Act would:

• Direct the FDA to establish a national standard of identity for olive oil to clearly define what qualifies as each grade sold in the United States.
• Create uniform grade standards for olive oil and olive-pomace oil, including extra virgin, virgin, refined, and other recognized categories.
• Require the FDA to report back to Congress within 120 days on actions taken to implement these new standards.

Read the full bill here.

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