Firm controls for oil production

Olive presses must be registered for regular conformity checks

August 4, 2011-The Ministry of Agriculture issued new labeling regulations for the manufacturing of olive oil.
The ministry urged all olive oil manufacturers to register their presses and factories. The ministry’s representatives would inspect presses regularly to ensure their compliance with the required specifications. Presses are also required to keep a record for their activity over at least five years.

The ministry specified that olive oil presses should comply with the mandatory Lebanese standard for 'Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils'. All olive oil produce should be labeled with information including the type of oil (extra virgin…), the origin of the olives, the farmer’s name and contact info, and the place of pressing. It should also include the date of production and expiry date.

The new decisions banned the use of dried oil, most commonly used in soap production, in food products.