Grading Manual 

for Olive Oil 

and 

Olive-Pomace Oil

Effective May 2012

United States

Department of

Agriculture

Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing 

Service

Fruit and 

Vegetable

Program

Processed 

Products 

Division
This manual is designed for Processed Products Division personnel of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture. Its purpose is to give background information and guidelines 

to assist in the uniform application and interpretation of U.S. grade standards, other 

similar specifications, and special procedures.

The citation of any data, criteria, techniques, illustrations, copyrighted material, or 

pictorial representation accredited to private authorship is used with the permission of 

the individuals or sources cited. Unless a specific reference is cited, the information in 

this manual has been compiled or developed from sources available to the public as 

well as from technical knowledge of personnel in the Department.

Following the suggested guidelines in this manual does not excuse failure to comply 

with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or any other applicable Federal or State 

laws or regulations.

Except for official USDA inspection aids or devices and color guides (or standards) 

produced under license of the Department, the mention of any supplier, patented 

device, product, brand name, or equipment does not imply endorsement by the 

Department over any other similar or equally effective material. 

Disclaimer: Any links to websites in this instruction may not be available to the public

but are avaialbe for internal use by inspectors.

Address inquiries to:

Director, Processed Products Division

Fruit and Vegetable Program

Agricultural Marketing Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

STOP 0247, 1400 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20250-0247
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Table of Contents

I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE.......................................................................................... 3

II. PRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 3

A. Annual Pack ......................................................................................................... 3

B. Processing............................................................................................................ 4

C. Storage................................................................................................................. 6

III. INSPECTION.............................................................................................7

A. Inspection of Olive Oil............................................................................7

B. Sampling .............................................................................................................. 8

C. Equipment for Inspection.................................................................................... 11

D. Net Contents....................................................................................................... 12

E. Vacuum .............................................................................................................. 13

F. Free Fatty Acid ................................................................................................... 13

G. Ascertain Flavor And Odor ................................................................................. 14

H. Color................................................................................................................... 17

IV. SCORESHEET.................................................................................................... 18

V. CERTIFICATION................................................................................................. 22

A. Body of the Certificate ........................................................................................ 22

B. Regulatory Requirements................................................................................... 23

VI. FEES................................................................................................................... 23
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I. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

A. The instructions contained in this manual furnish technical information that 

will be a guide in the inspection of olive oil and olive-pomace oil, and will 

allow inspectors to attain uniformity in applying grade standards and 

certifying product.

B. This manual also serves to familiarize inspectors with the general methods 

followed by the industry in the production of olive oil and olive-pomace oil.

II. PRODUCTION

A. Annual Pack

1. The olive plant (Olea europaea, L.) is distributed throughout the 

Mediterranean countries. 

 

2. Olive oil production in California represents less than 2 percent of 

United States consumption. 

3. Most of the olive oil in the U.S. is imported from Spain, Greece, 

Italy, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Australia, Chile, and Argentina. 

4. Olives are harvested from October to May depending on the 

climate and variety. 

5. In California, harvesting occurs from late October to December.

6. Olive harvesting practices contribute to the quality and cost of virgin 

olive oil. 

7. Olives picked in the early part of the season tend to develop olive 

oil that is bitter and pungent with a bright green color. This is due 

to the naturally occurring polyphenols found in the olives. 

8. When olives are picked later in the season, the olive oil tends to 

have a ripe flavor and sweet taste. 

9. Quality extra virgin olive oil is developed from wholesome olives 

picked from the tree, not the ground, and delivered to the mill 

quickly before the olives spoil. 
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10. Olives are usually picked by hand using a rake or mechanically by 

shaker machines that help detach the olives from the branch and 

dropped into nets. 

11. Olives are also picked from the ground using manual tools. 

Usually a skirt is placed around the bottom of the tree to protect the 

olives from contamination. 

B. Processing

1. Olives are transported to the mill in plastic cases or by truck.

2. The olives must be processed quickly or stored in a cool airy 

protected area. 

3. If the olives are not ripe, storage can occur for up to three days 

without risk to the resulting quality.

4. Once transported to the mill, leaf removal and washing of the olives 

occurs to remove foreign material. 

5. Additionally, the machinery can be equipped with magnets to 

remove metal objects. 

6. Olives may be ground with a metal crusher in the continuous 

centrifuge decanter method. 

7. Older systems employ pressing systems and millstones to carry out 

the extraction of olive oil, hence the term “first press.” 

8. The presence of leaves will intensify the “green” taste that can be 

distasteful to consumers.

9. The mechanical extraction of olive oil entails crushing the olives 

into a paste. 

10. The majority of the oil is released from the mesocarp of the fruit 

itself. The remainder is lost to the pomace. 

11. After crushing the olives into a paste, the olive paste must be mixed 

by stirring and then pressed, centrifuged, or percolated. 

12. The mixing process consists of slow and continuous stirring to 

increase the “free oil.” 
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13. Olive oil percolation involves the inserting of steel blades to loosen 

the mix of fruit and oil and water. 

14. This method is often used in combination with decanting the oil as 

this process causes the oil to float to the top of the paste. 

15. Heat is not used during this phase of virgin olive oil extraction (i.e.,

“Cold pressed”). 

16. Extracting oils from olives that have been damaged from disease or 

decay results in lampante oil. 

17. The flavor of this oil is unpalatable and must be refined. 

18. The refining process involves heating, neutralizing, bleaching, and 

deodorizing the lampante olive oil in order to remove the off flavors. 

19. The resulting refined olive oil is then blended with a small amount 

of extra virgin olive oil and sold as olive oil or “pure” olive oil. 

20. The term “light” olive oil only refers to the flavor and is determined 

by the amount of extra virgin olive oil added to the refined olive oil.

21. Pomace and vegetable water are by-products of the olive mills. 

22. Pomace is sold to industrial factories where the residual oil is 

extracted using hexane or other solvents. 

23. The extracted oil (Crude olive-pomace oil) is then refined so that it 

is edible (Refined olive-pomace oil). 

24. The resulting product, sold as olive-pomace oil is blended with a 

small amount (5% or more) of extra virgin olive oil. 

25. The pomace solids remaining after solvent extraction can be used 

for fuel, feed, or fertilizer.

26. Vegetable water is expensive to dispose of except by using it on 

agricultural land. It has no other agricultural uses.
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C. Storage

1. After production, the olive oil is stored in stainless steel tanks, 

drums, gallon pails, or other non-corrosive containers.

2. The olive oil is protected from oxidation, moisture, and 

contamination of any kind. 

3. Spoilage at this point, often occurs by taint from metal surfaces not 

compatible with the oil such as tin cans. Glass is usually more 

suitable. 

4. A small amount of sediment from the crushed olives and vegetable 

water often forms at the bottom of containers of virgin olive oil. 

5. This vegetable water can ferment and cause a defect in flavor, i.e., 

muddy or putrid. 

6. To avoid this, virgin olive oil is separated from the sediment by 

pouring off or filtering. This is called racking. 

7. Oxidative deterioration occurs due to exposure to light, air, high 

temperatures (above 30 degrees Centigrade, 92 degrees F), and 

contact with metals, such as copper or iron. 

8. Oxidative deterioration can be avoided by filling containers to the 

rim, hermetically sealing the containers, and storing containers in a 

cool, dark place.

9. The product can be stored for up to two years at low temperatures, 

optimally, between 15 and 20 degrees C, and protected with 

nitrogen to limit oxidative deterioration.
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 Leaf Removal

 Washing

 

 Crushing 

 Mixing 

Percolation, Centrifuge, or Press

 Oily Must Pomace Solvent extraction

Centrifuge

 Refining

 Lampante Olive Oil Vegetable Water Refined Olive-Pomace Oil

 

Heating, Bleaching, Deodorizing, Filtering Olive-Pomace Oil

 

Refined Olive Oil 

Extra Virgin Olive 

Oil (EVOO)

Virgin Olive Oil

Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

(EVOO)

Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace 

Oil Production 

Crude Olive-Pomace Oil

Olives
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III. INSPECTION AND GRADING OF OLIVE OIL AND OLIVE-POMACE OIL

A.

Follow the general procedures and instructions as outlined in the AIM 

Instruction Manuals and United States Standards for Grades: 

Inspection Instructions

United States Standards for Grades of Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace Oil

Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 7 CFR part 52

Sampling Procedures

(Compositing Samples for Chemical Analysis)

(Determining Product Compliance with Analytical Testing 

Requirements)

U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers

Technical Procedures

(Net Weights and Net Contents)

(Acid Titration and Analytical Procedures)

General Procedures

B. Sampling

1. If sampling individual containers use Sampling Procedures, Table 

3.

2. If sampling bulk containers from 5 gallons to 275 gallons:

a. The product is sampled according to Sampling Procedures, 

Table 3. 

b. Use the following conversion factors to calculate the 

poundage and then use Group 4.

c. The density of olive oil at 20 degrees Celsius is 7.6 pounds 

per U.S. gallon.

d. Pounds of olive oil = factor x gallons of olive oil
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Example:

2000 gal. x 7.6 lbs./gal. = 15,200 pounds

Lot sample = 6 samples at 500 ml each. 

e. Assure that the product is homogeneous.

f. Assure that the temperature of the product is between 15 

and 20 degrees C.

g. Use a sanitized plastic tube or trier that has been properly 

sterilized and long enough to reach the bottom of the barrel 

to pull samples.

h. If possible, take at least three increments to make a 

composite - (one from top, one from middle, and one from 

bottom) for each sample drawn.

i. Place each sample in a sterilized plastic sample bottle (500 

ml).

3. If the product is in bulk containers and is being sampled during 

transfer: 

a. Use the above conversion factors, Item 2.c, to calculate the 

poundage and then use Group 4 to determine the sampling 

rate.

b. Samples can be pulled at intervals by means of an approved 

automatic sampler. A minimum of three samples would be 

pulled per tank.

4. If product is in bulk containers greater than 275 gallons (i.e., 

stainless steel tanks); is not being transferred; and there is only one 

inlet:

a. Assure that the product is homogeneous. (Nitrogen can be 

pumped through to assure uniformity.) If it is not, make a 

note of it on the sampling sheet.

b. Assure that the temperature of the product is between 15 

and 20 degrees C. If it is not, make a note of it on the 

sampling sheet.
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c. Pull one sample (500 ml) per tank. Remember to pull back 

up samples for the AMS laboratory. See item 5.b below.

5. An additional two sets of samples are drawn and sent to the AMS, 

Science and Technology (S&T) Laboratory in Blakeley, Georgia.

One set for the analytical requirements and one for the flavor panel.

a. After the sampling rate is established;

b. Draw additional sets of samples at one plus the deviant rate 

according to Sampling Procedures. Save a set of samples 

for backup.

c. Complete a Laboratory Submittal Sheet, Form FV-637 (See 

Appendix I). See Table I of the grade standards for the 

minimum tests performed for each lot of olive oil or olivepomace oil. Indicate on the form that individual samples are 

to be evaluated for tests (1) through (4) below, and that 

individual samples are to be composited into a single 

sample by the laboratory for tests (5) through (9) below.

(1) Determination of the organoleptic characteristics for 

Virgin Olive Oil. (Flavor Panel Review by S&T);

(2) Determination of free fatty acidity (as oleic acid) 

(3) Determination of peroxide value;

(4) Determination of absorbency in ultraviolet (UV);

(5) Determination of the fatty acid composition;

(6) Trans fatty acid;

(7) Desmethylsterol composition (Percent Total Sterol);

(8) Total sterol content; and

(9) Stigmastadiene content.

d. Refined olive oil, olive oil, and all olive pomace-oil do not 

require a flavor panel review by the laboratory.

e. The minimum individual sample size is 500 ml. The 

laboratory requires a duplicate sample for the flavor panel. 

Send two sets per sample to the following address:

Laboratory Supervisor

USDA, AMS, Science and Technology Programs (S&T)

Science Specialty Laboratories

6567 Chancey Mill Road

Blakely, GA 39823-2785

Phone: (229) 723-4570, Fax: (229) 723-7251
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The laboratory will test the organoleptic characteristics (via flavor panel), peroxide 

value, free acidity, and absorbency in UV individually and composite the sample for the 

remainder of the tests.

NOTE: Please assure that samples are thoroughly secured with bubble wrap and 

tape to avoid breakage. Ship samples via UPS, FEDEX, or other overnight carrier. 

The use of tamper proof tape is recommended for shipping cases. 

C. Equipment for Inspection

The following list comprises the minimum equipment needed for the 

inspection of olive oil and olive-pomace oil.

1. A sanitized plastic tube or trier that has been properly sterilized and 

long enough to reach the bottom of the barrel to pull samples

2. Measuring flasks (various) 

3. Trays-white

4. Glass cylinders (10 ml, 100 ml)

5. Headspace gauge

6. 250 ml Erlenmeyer flasks

7. 25 ml glass volumentric cylinder (for determining density of the oil)

8. Stirring rods

9. Magnetic stirrer and stirring bar

10. Phenolphthalein indicator (1 percent in 95 percent alcohol)

11. 0.1N NaOH

12. 2-propanol ( Isopropyl alcohol (95% U.S.P.))

1

13. 10 ml Burette

 

1 Alternately, 99 percent isopropanol (2-propanol) may be used as the solvent.
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14. Digital Scale

15. Cups or spoons for flavoring the olive oil.

16. Heating pad or water bath (for heating the virgin olive oil to 

standard temperature of 28 degrees C. before flavoring.) (optional)

17. Shipping containers

18. Bubble wrap

19. Tape

20. Form FV-637, laboratory submittal sheet

21. Scoresheet, FV 364-39

22. 10 ml pipette or dropper

23. Fresh apple slices and water- for cleansing the palette between 

samples

24. Thermometer for verifying temperature (optional)

D. Net Contents

1. Follow the instructions in the AIM inspection manual Technical

Procedures to determine the net contents or use an appropriate 

measuring flask.

2. To determine density of the oil (specific gravity), tare a 25 ml glass 

volumetric cylinder and fill with oil to 25 ml. Weigh the filled 

cylinder in grams and multiply the amount of grams by 0.04 to get 

the specific gravity of the oil (grams/ml). Use the specific gravity to 

the fourth decimal place, (i.e., 0.0001), that you have determined in 

the formula in item 5, below. 

3. Color can be determined at this time if using a measuring flask.

4. Olive oil usually is found in the following sizes for retail purchase: 

5.0 oz. (148 ml), 250 ml (8.45 oz.), 350 ml (11.8 oz.), 375 ml (12.7 

oz.), and 750 ml (25.4oz.).
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5. Convert net weights to fluid ounces. To convert to fluid ounces, 

use the following formula:

Fill (fl. oz.) = 

Specific Gravity @ 20 degrees C.

net weight (avoir. oz) x 0.9614

In general, the accepted industry standard for the specific 

gravity of olive oil and olive-pomace oil @ 20 degrees C is 

0.9143, although the actual specific gravity can vary 

between 0.80-0.92. See item 2 above in order to determine 

the exact specific gravity.

E. Vacuum

Vacuum measurements are not

F.

required for this product.

Free Fatty Acid

1. Determine the free fatty acid (FFA) (as oleic) for each sample as 

follows:

Reagents

• 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask

• 0.1N Sodium Hydroxide

• Neutralized alcohol ( Preparation)

• Measure 50 mls of 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol) in a 250 

ml flask. Add two drops of oil and 2 ml phenolphthalein 

indicator solution. 

• Swirl. 

• Add drop by drop 0.1N NaOH to produce a permanent pink 

color.

Procedure

• Tare the flask containing the neutralized alcohol on a digital scale.
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• Add 56.4 grams of oil into the flask containing the neutralized 

alcohol. Tip: Pour oil slowly to about 50 grams then use a dropper 

to add the rest of the oil to obtain an accurate measure.

• Titrate with 0.1N NaOH swirling by hand or with a magnetic stirrer 

until sample reaches a faint pink end point.

2. Calculate 

• (1 ml of 0.1N NaOH = 0.0282 grams of oleic acid)

• Number of mls of NaOH x 0.05 = percent free fatty acid (as Oleic 

acid)

G. Ascertain Flavor And Odor

1. Inspectors will perform a flavor and odor evaluation on every 

sample except crude olive-pomace oil. 

2. For Extra Virgin and Virgin Olive Oil:

a. Do not use strong scented cologne or other cosmetics that 

could interfere with flavor or odor perception.

b. Do not smoke or eat up to one hour before flavoring the oil.

c. The virgin olive oil can be warmed to a temperature of 28 

degrees C. on a heating pad or in a water bath before 

flavoring. (Optional)

d. Pour about 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of oil from each sample into a 

corresponding cup or spoon. (This applies only to Extra 

Virgin Olive Oil, Virgin Olive Oil, and Lampante labeled oils).
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e. Refer to the reference samples sent to each office, if 

available. Defective flavor descriptors are shown below.

Musty A flavor defect occurring when low temperatures and high 

humidity promote mold growth, mainly of the Aspergillus and 

Penicilium genera. The resulting oil has a mushroom-like 

odor.

Fusty A flavor defect attributable to poor storage conditions of the 

olives, usually promoting the bacterial growth of the 

Clostridium and Pseudomonas genera.

Rancid A flavor defect caused by the oxidation of the oil and 

subsequent formation of aldehydes during the production 

process giving the oil a varnish, paint, or seed-like flavor and 

odor.

Winey-vinegary A flavor defect caused by storage condition of the olives that 

causes aerobic fermentation by the growth of yeasts that 

produce ethanol, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate.

Muddy-sediment A flavor defect caused by storage of olive oil in contact with 

the sediment for long periods giving the oil a putrid flavor 

and odor.

Bitter flavor is normal in virgin olive oil. It is not a defect.

(1) Inspectors will score the oil as either normal or off 

flavor and odor, as appropriate. The scale below can 

aid as an assessment tool to determine the score.

Flavor Intensity 

Score

Perception

0 Total Absence

1-2 Barely perceptible

3-4 Slight

5-6 Average

7-8 Great

9-10 Extreme

Normal

Off
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f. Score the flavor and odor of the oil as Normal if less than or 

equal to 2. 

g. Score the flavor and odor of the oil as Off if equal to or 

greater than 3. 

h. Cleanse the palette between scoring each sample with a 

slice of fresh apple or water.

i. Mark the most pronounced samples (off flavor) and send 

them to the Blakely Laboratory for flavor panel review and 

analysis at one sample plus the deviant rate. (As indicated 

previously, the set of samples sent to the Blakely Laboratory 

shoud be in duplicate.)

j. The flavor panel at the Blakely Laboratory will score sample 

unit flavor intensity on a scale of 1-10. The flavor panel will 

also determine valuses for “Median of Defect” and Median of 

the Fruity.” PPD will use the panel results for determining 

final flavor results. The panel results take precedence if 

there are differences in flavor evaluations.

k. For Median of Fruity, the product would have fruity notes 

characteristic of fresh olives. This includes but is not limited 

to:

(1) Olive

(2) Nutty

(3) Fresh mown grass

(4) Tomato leaf

(5) Apple

(6) Floral

l. Only. the S&T Flavor Panel will score the intensity on a scale 

of 1 to 10.

m. Excellent flavor and odor (Median of the Fruity > 0; Median 

of Defects = 0)

n. Acceptable flavor and odor (Median of the Fruity > 0; Median 

of Defects = 0 to 2.5)
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o. Poor flavor and odor (Median of Defects >2.5 or 

Median of the Fruity = 0 and Median of Defects is < 2.5). 

3. For refined olive oil, olive oil, and olive-pomace oil:

a. Rate the oil in terms of flavor and odor. 

b. Refined oils (olive and olive-pomace) are normally odorless 

and flavorless. Score these as normal or off, as appropriate.

c. Olive oil and olive pomace oil will have a slight flavor and 

odor (because it consists of refined oil with some extra virgin 

oil added to it). Score these as normal or off, if appropriate.

d.

H.

Do not flavor crude olive-pomace oil.

Color 

1. Pour the oil into a 100 ml glass cylinder or beaker.

2. Note the color of the sample

a. Virgin olive oils tends to have a more intense color varying 

from yellow to olive green but may be light yellow to light 

olive green. The color should be bright.

b. Virgin olive oil may be cloudy or clear and may have some 

sediment. This is normal.

c. Refined olive oil is often light yellow but may be colorless

and clear.

d. “Pure” olive oil and olive-pomace oil are light yellow to light 

olive green in color and clear. This is because a small 

amount of virgin olive oil has been added to refined olive oil.

e. Refined olive-pomace oil may be brownish yellow in color.
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f. Crude olive-pomace oil is usually opaque dark green, brown, 

or black.

IV. SCORESHEET

A. Refer to the AIM General Procedures manual for instructions on completing a 

scoresheet.

1. Determine the free fatty acid for each sample.

2. Determine if flavor and odor is normal or off. Normal means typical of the 

type of product. 

3. All other olive oil and olive-pomace oil types are not scored for median of 

fruity or defects. Put N/A on the scoresheet if this is the case. Do not 

flavor crude olive-pomace oil. 

4. Pour each sample into a 100 ml glass cylinder or beaker.

5. Determine the color if normal or off. Normal means typical of olive oil 

color varying from light yellow to olive green.

6. Do not give a final grade to the product until results are received 

from the lab. 
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B. Once results are received from the lab, attach the results to the 

scoresheet, and complete the scoresheet as appropriate. 

C14:0 Myristic Acid ≤ 0.05

The following will aid 

in interpreting the fatty acid results. Fatty acids are organized in the list by the 

number of Carbons (C) and double bonds (0, 1, or 2) found in the molecular 

chain of the fatty acid. The trans fatty acids have 1, 2, or 3 trans isomers (1T, 

2T, or 3T).

C16:0 Palmitic Acid 7.5 – 20.0

C16:1 Palmitoleic Acid 0.3 - 3.5

C17:0 Heptadecanoic Acid ≤ 0.3

C17:1 Heptadecenoic Acid ≤ 0.3

C18:0 Stearic Acid 0.5 – 5.0

C18:1 Oleic Acid 55.0 – 83.0

C18:2 Linoleic Acid 3.5 – 21.0

C18:3 Linolenic Acid ≤ 1.0 (Values between 1.0 and 1.5 subject to further testing listed in Table II of 

grade standards)

C20:0 Arachidic Acid ≤ 0.6

C20:1 Gadoleic Acid(Eicosenoic) ≤ 0.4

C22:0 Behenic Acid ≤ 0.2 (Limit raised to 0.3 for olive-pomace oil)

C24:0 Lignoceric Acid ≤ 0.2

Trans fatty acids

C18:1T and C18:2T+C18:3T ≤0.05 (Extra Virgin and Virgin)

C18:1T and C18:2T+C18:3T ≤0.10 (Lampante)

≤0.20 (Refined and Crude Olive-Pomace)

≤0.40 (Olive-Pomace)

C18:2T + C18:3T ≤0.30 (Refined)

≤0.35 (Olive-Pomace)

≤0.10 (Crude Olive-Pomace)
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C. Review the results and compare to the Tables in the grade standards.

1. If all samples meet the designated grade, then the lot meets the 

designated grade.

2. If the number of samples that fail the designated grade is less than the 

deviant rate, the lot meets the requirement for the designated grade if the 

failing samples do not fall below the next lower grade designation. See 

example on page 21.

3. If the number of samples that fail the designated grade requirements is 

more than the deviant, score the lot in the next lower category. 

4. Worse than a deviant - if any samples fall more than one level below the 

designated grade, score the lot in the lowest category. See examples 2 

and 3 on page 21.

D. There are three classes of olive oil:

1. Virgin olive oil, including extra virgin olive oil, is unprocessed or crude 

olive oil

2. Olive oil

3. Refined olive oil

E. Olive-pomace oil cannot be labeled as olive oil. See Regulatory 

Requirements (Section IV, B.)
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F. The hierarchy of grade designations from highest to lowest is as follows:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Top grade

Virgin Olive Oil ↓ Virgin olive oil

Lampante ↓

Olive oil ↓ 

 Olive Oil 

Refined olive oil ↓ 

Olive-pomace oil ↓

Refined olive-pomace 

oil ↓ Olive-pomace oil

Crude olive-pomace 

oil Bottom grade

Examples:

1. 1000 cases labeled extra virgin olive oil

2 out of 13 samples graded as virgin due to flavor defects

The number of samples falling below the designated grade doesn’t 

exceed the deviant rate and does not fall more than one grade 

below the designated grade.

The lot as a whole is graded U.S. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2. 1000 cases labeled extra virgin olive oil

3 out of 13 samples graded as virgin due to flavor defects.

The lot as a whole is graded “U.S. Virgin Olive Oil” account 

“Median of Defects”

The number of samples falling below the designated grade exceeds 

the deviant rate.

3. 1000 cases labeled extra virgin olive oil

2 out of 13 samples graded as olive oil due to the analytical results.

The lot is graded as “U.S. Olive Oil,” not extra virgin.
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The number of samples falling below the designated grade exceeds 

the deviant rate and falls more than one grade below the 

designated grade.

4. 1000 cases labeled extra virgin olive oil

4 out of 13 samples graded as lampante oil due to flavor and odor 

and acidity.

The lot as a whole is graded as “U.S. Virgin Olive Oil not fit for 

Human Consumption or U.S Lampante Oil,” account “Flavor

and odor” and “Free acidity.”

The number of samples falling below the designated grade exceeds 

the deviant rate and falls more than one grade below the 

designated grade.

IV. CERTIFICATION 

A. Body of the Certificate

1. Follow the procedures in the AIM Inspection Series Certification

Manual.

2. Record the technical Information in ranges except where noted

(See Appendix II, Example)

a) Net contents

b) Free fatty acidity content, percent g/100 grams (as oleic)

c) Peroxide value 

d) Determination of absorbency in ultraviolet

e) Determination of the fatty acid composition 

(1) Report as “meets” if all values fall in line with the 

standard

(2) Report actual linolenic acid value if > 1.0, but < 1.5 

(3) Report as “fails” for any of the values do not fall in line 

with the standard.

f) Trans fatty acid content

g) Desmethylsterol composition (Percent Total Sterol)

h) Total sterol content

i) Stigmastadiene content

j) Median of Defects

k) Median of Fruity

l) Other pertinent information
Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

23

B. Regulatory Requirements

1. In any case where a product is found to be adulterated or to contain 

filthy material, it should be certified as “Grade Not Certified”. 

2. If product labeled as Extra Virgin Olive Oil is found to be 

adulterated with olive-pomace oil or some other vegetable oil (seed 

oil), it is considered mislabeled. This is indicated by results outside 

the ranges provided in the purity tests, i.e., fatty acid composition, 

stigmastadiene, sterols. Science and Technology will indicate if the 

product was adulterated on the laboratory report. When this is the 

case, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should be 

notified.

Report any occurances of adulteration to you supervisor who will 

follow the instructions in AIM Management Site, “Implementation of 

Memorandum Agreement Between AMS and FDA”, and report this 

through the chain of command. 

VI. FEES

A. Charge at the Group II rate in the AIM General Procedures manual, “FeesLot inspection Grading Service”.

B. The hours do not include charges for the special analyses or special 

inspection programs. Consult you supervisor if this is the case.

C. The applicant is charged by S&T separately, unless otherwise agreed 

upon.
 Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

24

APPENDIX I

Example 1 

SAMPLE
Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

25

FORM FV-637 (04-05) Computer Generated (Edition 11-83 may be used)

APPENDIX I

Example 2
 Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

26

November 16, 2008

OLIVE OIL

G1119 ...

Net contents: Meets label declaration

Free fatty acid, g/100 g (as Oleic): 0.1 to 0.4 percent

Peroxide value: 16 to 19 mEq peroxide oxygen per kg/oil

Absorbency in UV: 0.20 to 0.22(K% 1 cm)

ΔK: 0.009 (K% 1 cm)

Fatty Acid composition: Meets

Trans fatty acid content: 0.04 percent

Desmethylsterol composition: Meets

Total sterol: 1010 mg/kg

Stigmastadiene content: 0.08 mg/kg

Flavor and odor: Excellent 

Median of Fruity – 2.5)

U.S. EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 

This certificate covers 1000 cases of 12/16 oz. bottles. Product packed in glass 

bottles with tamper-evident twist off caps and cased in domestic corrugated fiber 

cartons. Lot identified by codes shown above and located in warehouse of XYZ bottling 

company, Stockton California. Cases stamped with USDA “OFFICIALLY SAMPLED” stamp as 

shown above. Meets applicable U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.

XYZ Bottling Company Stockton, California 95207

-----

-----

-----

“Bart’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil Net Contents 16.9 oz. (500 ml.) 

Packed by XYZ Bottling Co. Stockton, CA 95207 USA”

5635 Stratford Circle, Suite 11

Stockton, CA 95207

(209) 946-6301

Officially Sampled

Jane Doe

 Jane Doe

Nov 3, 2010

APPENDIX II

Example 1

SAMPLE
 Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

27

November 16, 2010

-----

5635 Stratford Circle, Suite 11

Stockton, CA 95207

(209) 946-6301

Jane Doe Jane Doe

Nov 2, 2010

XYZ Bottling Company Stockton, California 95207

-----

Officially Sampled

OLIVE OIL

B2229 ...

“Olivia’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil Net Contents 16.9 oz. (500 ml.) Packed by XYZ 

Bottling Co. Stockton, CA 95207 USA”

Net contents: Meets label declaration

Free fatty acid, g/100 g (as Oleic): 0.1 to 0.4 percent

Peroxide value: 16 to 19 meq peroxide oxygen per kg/oil

Absorbency in UV at 270 nm: 0.20 to 0.22(K% 1 cm)

ΔK: 0.009 (K% 1 cm)

Fatty acid composition: Meets

Trans fatty acid content: 0.04 percent

Desmethylsterol composition: Meets

Total sterol: 1010 mg/kg

Stigmastadiene content: 0.08 mg/kg

Flavor and odor: Good 

(Median of Defects-1.2)

U.S. VIRGIN OLIVE OIL (account “Median of Defects”)

See label statement above for Grade

This certificate covers 1000 cases of 12/16 oz. bottles. Product packed in glass 

bottles with tamper-evident twist off caps and cased in domestic corrugated fiber 

cartons. Lot identified by codes shown above and located in warehouse of XYZ bottling 

company, Stockton California. Cases stamped with USDA “OFFICIALLY SAMPLED” stamp as 

shown above. Meets applicable U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.

 

APPENDIX II

Example 2

SAMPLE
 Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

28

OLIVE OIL

I4449

Net contents: Meets label declaration

Free fatty acid, g/100 g (as Oleic): 0.1 to 0.4 percent

Peroxide value: 16 to 19 mEq peroxide oxygen per kg/oil

Absorbency in UV at 270 nm: 0.89 to 0.90(K% 1 cm)

ΔK: 0.15 (K% 1 cm)

Fatty acid composition: Meets

Trans fatty acid content: 0.04 percent

Desmethylsterol composition: Meets

Total sterol: 1010 mg/kg

Stigmastadiene content: 0.08 mg/kg

Flavor and odor: Good 

(Median of Defects-1.2)

U.S. OLIVE OIL (account Absorbency in Ultraviolet and ΔK)

See label statement above for Grade

This certificate covers 1000 cases of 12/16 oz. bottles. Product packed in glass 

bottles with tamper-evident twist off caps and cased in domestic corrugated fiber 

cartons. Lot identified by codes shown above and located in warehouse of XYZ bottling 

company, Stockton California. Cases stamped with USDA “OFFICIALLY SAMPLED” stamp as 

shown above. Meets applicable U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.

XYZ Bottling Company Stockton, California 95207

“Nuovo Extra Virgin Olive Oil Net Contents 16.9 oz. (500 ml.) Packed 

by XYZ Bottling Co. Stockton, CA 95207 USA”

Officially Sampled

Jane Doe

APPENDIX II

Example 3

Jane Doe 5635 Stratford Circle, Suite 11

Stockton, CA 95207

(209) 946-6301

Nov 2, 2010

----- -----

November 16, 2010

SAMPLE
 Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

29

 

 November 16, 2010

XYZ Bottling Company Stockton, California 95207

--- ---

Officially Sampled OLIVE OIL

B2229 . . . 

“Olivia’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil Net Contents 16.9 oz. (500ml.) Packed by XYZ Bottling 

Co. Stockton, CA 95207 USA”

Net Contents: Meets label declaration

Free Fatty Acid, g/100 g (as Oleic): 0.1 to 0.4 percent

Peroxide Value: 16 to 19 mEq peroxide oxygen per kg/oil

Absorbency in UV at 270 nm: 0.21 to 0.22(K% 1 cm)

ΔK: 0.01 (K% 1 cm)

Fatty Acid Composition: Meets

Trans Fatty Acid Content: 0.04 percent

Desmethylsterol Composition: Meets

Total Sterol: 1010 mg/kg

Stigmastadiene Content: 0.08 mg/kg

Flavor and Odor: Poor 

(Median of Defects - 7.5)

U.S. Virgin Olive Oil not fit for Human Consumption or U.S Lampante Oil,” account “Flavor 

and odor” and “Free fatty acid.”

See label statement above for Grade

 

This certificate covers 1000 cases of 12/16 oz. bottles. Product packed in glass bottles 

with tamper-evident twist off caps and cased in domestic corrugated fiber cartons. Lot 

identified by codes shown above and located in warehouse of XYZ bottling company, Stockton 

California. Cases stamped with USDA “OFFICIALLY SAMPLED” stamp as shown above. Meets 

applicable U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.

 

 5635 Stratford Circle, Suite 11 

 Stockton, CA 95207 Jane Doe

 (209) 946 6301

Nov 2, 2010

APPENDIX II

Example 4

Jane Doe

SAMPLE
 Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

30

OLIVE OIL

I4449 . . .

Net contents: Meets label declaration

Free fatty acid, g/100 g (as Oleic): 0.1 to 0.4 percent

Peroxide value: 16 to 19 mEq peroxide oxygen per kg/oil

Absorbency in UV at 470 nm: 0.21 to 0.22(K% 1 cm)

ΔK: 0.01 (K% 1 cm)

Fatty acid composition: Meets

Trans fatty acid content: 0.04 percent

Desmethylsterol composition: Meets

Total sterol: 1010 mg/kg

Stigmastadiene content: 0.08 mg/kg

Flavor and odor: Excellent 

(Median of Fruity – 2.5)

U.S. Grade Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Meets requirements of the International Olive Council Standards 

for Olive Oil, COI/T.15. 

This certificate covers 1000 cases of 12/16 oz. bottles. Product packed in glass 

bottles with tamper-evident twist off caps and cased in domestic corrugated fiber 

cartons. Lot identified by codes shown above and located in warehouse of XYZ bottling 

company, Stockton California. Cases stamped with USDA “OFFICIALLY SAMPLED” stamp as 

shown above. Meets applicable U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.

 

XYZ Bottling Company Stockton, California 95207

-----

-----

-----

“Nuovo Extra Virgin Olive Oil Net Contents 16.9 oz. (500 ml.) Packed 

by XYZ Bottling Co. Stockton, CA 95207 USA”

Officially Sampled

Nov 4, 2010

Jane Doe Jane Doe

5635 Stratford Circle, Suite 11

Stockton, CA 95207

(209) 946-6301

November 16, 2010

APPENDIX II

Example 5

SAMPLE
 Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace-Oil

 May 2012

31

 November 16, 2010

XYZ Bottling Company Stockton, California 95207

--- ---

Officially Sampled OLIVE-POMACE OIL

P00022 . . . 

“Olivia’s Olive-Pomace Oil Net Contents 16.9 oz. (500ml.) Packed by XYZ Bottling Co. 

Stockton, CA 95207 USA”

Net contents: Meets label declaration

Free fatty acid, g/100 g (as Oleic): 0.1 to 0.4 percent

Peroxide value: 5 to 11 meq peroxide oxygen per kg/oil

Absorbency in UV at 270 nm: 1.01 to 1.16(K% 1 cm)

ΔK: 0.17 (K% 1 cm)

Fatty acid composition: FAILS

Trans fatty acid content: 0.04 percent

Desmethylsterol composition: Meets

Total sterol: 1650 mg/kg

Stigmastadiene content: 60 mg/kg

Flavor and Odor: Acceptable

Fails requirements for U.S. Standards for Grades of Olive-Pomace Oil, account “Fatty Acid 

Composition,” linolenic acid value exceeds 1.5 percent.

See label statement above for Grade

 

This certificate covers 1000 cases of 12/16 oz. bottles. Product packed in glass bottles 

with tamper-evident twist off caps and cased in domestic corrugated fiber cartons. Lot 

identified by codes shown above and located in warehouse of XYZ bottling company, Stockton 

California. Meets applicable U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.

 

 5635 Stratford Circle, Suite 11 Jane Doe

 Stockton, CA 95207

 (209) 946-6301

APPENDIX II

Example 6

Jane Doe

SAMPLE