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Choosing SA Olive Oil With Confidence
Over the past few years olive oil has become a key ingredient in every kitchen and vital to the success of every meal. Cooking enthusiasts with a love for this golden liquid can now rest assured that local producers are doing their bit to ensure that only authentic olive oil reaches the kitchen.
SA Olive, the official representative body of the South African olive industry, has taken the first step in establishing control over the labelling procedures of local products by launching the Member of SA Olive Commitment to Compliance Scheme (CTC) at the Cape Olive Fair on Friday 30 September 2005.
With no effective legislation protecting South African consumers from products with inaccurate and misleading labelling, the consumer is often exposed to cheaper oils that have been subjected to chemical manipulation. These chemical interventions spoil the unique flavours and destroy many of the health benefits of olive oil.
Participating members of SA Olive subscribe to the CTC scheme on a voluntary and self-regulating basis and verify their commitment to the initiative by displaying the “Member of SA Olive” seal on their bottles.
Producers whose products bear this seal of authenticity confirm that the content is 100% locally produced and made in accordance with the SA Olive Code of Conduct and Practice based on international standards.
Those who subscribe to the CTC scheme, commit themselves to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), label their products in an honest and understandable manner and indicate the freshness of the oil by clearly displaying the year of harvest on the label.
According to Linda Costa, spokesperson for SA Olive, “The best advice for the consumer is to become more informed by tasting and comparing different oils.
The objectives of this initiative are to provide local consumers with relevant and accurate information to guide their choice and to enable local oils to become more competitive in the South African and international markets.”
“During the past five years, South African Extra Virgin Olive Oils have regularly received international quality awards which clearly demonstrates that the quality of our oils are of international standard.”
In order to maintain high quality standards SA Olive has joined forces with the Consumer Goods Council – who will perform random spot checks on products carrying the seal.
For more details on the scheme and a list of participating members please visit the section on the Commitment to Compliance scheme on this site.
News Flash
New technical information available
News
Field day CD (DVD format) incorporating presentations from the last and also previous field days as well as a number of photos of technical interest on sale.
CD's can now also be ordered with new information.
Cost: R150 for non members, R100 members
(postage incl. South Africa only)
Contact The Secretariat at elouise@hortgro.co.za
Choosing SA Olive Oil With ConfidenceOver the past few years olive oil has become a key ingredient in every kitchen and vital to the success of every meal.
For more information on the olive industry, click here.
SAO summary, click here.
SAO results, click here.
SA Olive Award Function 2009
