Monitoring the geographical origin of olive oil using stable isotope analyses
By Dr. Eric Jamin, Eurofins Analytics, France
The EC Regulation 182/2009, has detailed rules regarding the geographical origin labelling of virgin and extra virgin olive oil in the European Community. The labelling must display one of the following three types of information, depending on the claimed production area:
- At country level, the member state or third country;
- In case of blends, either “Community”, “non-Community” or “community & non-Community” olive oils;
- At regional level, “a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication referred to in Regulation (EC) No 510/2006, in accordance with the provisions of the product specification concerned.”
Especially in the latter case, the intensive research work over the last decade in the field of stable isotope characterisation of olive oil can be applied as an efficient analytical tool to help enforce the traceability information required by law. Indeed, large analytical databanks have been formed over several years to establish ranges for the stable isotope ratios of the main bio-elements (Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen) in authentic olive oil from all the producing countries around the Mediterranean basin, and enable the definition of a characteristic pattern for each production region.
The 2H /1H and 18O/16O ratios of olive oils in particular are related to geographical parameters, such as latitude, distance from the sea and altitude, and also to the local climatic conditions (temperature, precipitation). Moreover, the determination of the stable isotope ratio in a trace element originating from the soil, strontium (87Sr/86Sr), reflects the local geology and can be used as another source of verification of origin.
This analytical approach is not designed to determine an oil of unknown origin, but is a powerful tool for the confirmation of the declared origin, especially for products with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
This offer is available from Eurofins Nantes’ Authenticity Competence Centre through the network of Eurofins laboratories.
Research work on additional information provided by the fatty acid composition, triglyceride profile and sensory evaluation is ongoing.
Contact: ASMNantesAuthenticity@eurofins.com