What does Extra Virgin mean?

  • Extraction method : Extra virgin olive oil is produced entirely by mechanical means without the use of any solvents. The olives are typically cold-pressed, which means the oil is extracted using only pressure, and the temperature is kept below 27 degrees Celsius during the extraction process to maintain the oil’s quality and prevent degradation
  • Quality: The oil is made from pure, fresh olives that are free of defects. The oil must have perfect taste and smell, without any sensory flaws
  • Chemical Composition: Extra virgin olive oil has a free acidity, expressed as oleic acid, of no more than 0.8 grams per 100 grams. This means that it has a very low level of fatty acid breakdown, which occurs due to poor fruit quality or improper handling during or after the extraction process. It also has other chemical requirements it must meet regarding its oxidative state and other factors. The International Olive Council (IOC) offers a full list of criteria that an oil has to meet to be called extra virgin.

Does Morocco meet the international standards ?

Yes, Morocco, as a member of the International Olive Council (IOC), adheres to the same quality and safety standards for olive oil as other member countries. These standards are recognized and used globally to ensure the quality and authenticity of olive oil.

The Moroccan Office of Food Safety (Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des produits Alimentaires, ONSSA) is the regulatory body that oversees food safety in the country, including the safety and quality of olive oil. ONSSA sets and enforces standards based on international norms, including those set by the IOC.

How do i make sure I'm buying real Extra Virgin Oil ?

In addition to ONSSA, if one wants to export the olive oil he needs to be registered at Morocco Foodex. Morocco Foodex is a public structure under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, dedicated to the service of the agri-food and maritime products sector. Its mission’s aim is to guarantee the quality and safety of exports of Moroccan agri-food products, strengthen their positioning on foreign markets, and increase the influence of Morocco’s origin on the international scene. The organization ensures the compliance with the technical requirements and standards imposed by the authorities such as the US Department of Agriculture) and the FDA (US Food and Drugs Administration).

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