Europe to Tighten Restrictions on PAH in Virgin Olive Oil

The European Commission is expected to tighten regulations this year, further restricting the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) permitted in virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil, the Olive Oil Times reported on October 01.  European countries that produce olive oil are asking the Commission to delay the new rules until 2028, but remain unsure whether the request will be granted. 

PAHs are organic compounds known to cause cancer and harmful mutations in mammals.  The compounds occur naturally and are produced by burning coal, oil, natural gas, wood, waste materials and tobacco. Current European regulations limit the amount of several PAHs in olive oil to less than 10 micrograms per gram.  For benzo(a)pyrene, one of the most common PAHs, the limit is two micrograms per gram. Under the new regulations, any extra virgin olive oil containing PAHs is anticipated to be deemed unsuitable for consumption. Consequently, producers will be required to sell the substandard oil for biodiesel, priced at €0.80 per liter which is much lower compared to the €8 per liter for extra virgin olive oil, the Olive Oil Times said. 

Virgin olive oil should ideally be free of PAHs. However, contamination can occur either directly during milling or indirectly through the olives’ exposure to smoke or air pollution. A significant source of contamination is the pruning of trees during the olive harvesting process. The lubricants used in chainsaws contain PAHs. They are also found in the chemicals used to produce jute sacks, which are specifically designed to improve durability and waterproof characteristics for transporting olives.  PAHs can also be found in industrial solvents; the Olive Oil Times wrote