DRAFT Commodity Specification for Extra Virgin Olive Oil January 2024

The Agricultural Marketing Service of the US Department of Agriculture has posted a Draft Purchase Specification for Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The draft specification outlines requirements for 100% U.S. domestic origin extra virgin olive oil to be procured, including quality standards established by the Olive Oil Commission of California for sensory and chemical properties.

The Special Notice seeks comments on the draft specification from potential contractors by January 23. The draft provides requirements for packaging in 6/500ml dark glass bottles within commercially acceptable cases and labeling in accordance with FDA regulations. New vendors must submit certificates of analysis and testing results to OOCC for review and acceptance prior to first shipment, and then with each shipment for the first year, after which annual recertification is required. The objective is to establish a purchase specification for a new commodity, extra virgin olive oil, to support potential future procurement opportunities.