La European Court of Auditors Calls for stronger controls on olive oil in the European Union, citing "shortcomings" in quality and safety monitoring systems. In a report published on January 14, the regulatory body highlights how checks for pesticide residues in EU-origin olive oils are generally effective, while those for other contaminants are less developed and inconsistent.
According to the auditors, some rules—particularly those regarding blending and traceability—are not sufficiently clear, creating difficulties in implementing controls along the supply chain. The EU is the world's leading olive oil producer, but imports approximately 9% of its needs. The audit found inconsistencies and gaps in verification systems specifically regarding non-EU supplies.
In the countries visited between 2018 and 2023 – Belgium, Greece, Italy e Spain – Monitoring of imports for pesticides and other contaminants was found to be "non-existent or sporadic." "The Union's rules are solid, but not always fully enforced," he stated. Joëlle Elvinger, who led the audit. "Improving controls, traceability, and legal clarity is essential to protect consumers and safeguard the reputation of European olive oil," he added. Despite a stringent regulatory framework for quality and safety, including pre-market traceability requirements, practical implementation remains entrusted to individual Member States.
Countries must ensure minimum pesticide testing, label verification, laboratory analysis, and organoleptic testing, but the Court found incomplete compliance checks. In some cases, parts of the market remain excluded from risk-based inspections, creating—according to the auditors—"gaps that can affect quality and consumer confidence."
Pesticide residue checks are considered "well established," while monitoring of other contaminants appears fragmented and unsystematic. Recommendations include the broader adoption of electronic traceability registers throughout the supply chain, based on the model already adopted by Spain and Italy. According to the auditors, these tools can increase transparency and help prevent fraud, while acknowledging the difficulty of cross-border checks on oils from multiple origins. Spain, Italy, and Greece together account for approximately 91% of the European Union's olive oil production.
Finally, the audit urges the European Commission to strengthen its oversight. According to the Court, Brussels currently has only a partial understanding of the functioning of national control systems, while annual reports and meetings do not ensure complete information sharing.
