Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91Show full title

Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 of 11 July 1991 on the characteristics of olive oil and olive-residue oil and on the relevant methods of analysis

[F13.1. Negative attributes U.K.

  • Fusty/muddy sediment : Characteristic flavour of oil obtained from olives piled or stored in such conditions as to have undergone an advanced stage of anaerobic fermentation, or of oil which has been left in contact with the sediment that settles in underground tanks and vats and which has also undergone a process of anaerobic fermentation.

  • Musty-humid-earthy : Characteristic flavour of oils obtained from fruit in which large numbers of fungi and yeasts have developed as a result of its being stored in humid conditions for several days or of oil obtained from olives that have been collected with earth or mud on them and which have not been washed.

  • Winey-vinegary-acid-sour : Characteristic flavour of certain oils reminiscent of wine or vinegar. This flavour is mainly due to a process of aerobic fermentation in the olives or in olive paste left on pressing mats which have not been properly cleaned and leads to the formation of acetic acid, ethyl acetate and ethanol.

  • Rancid : Flavour of oils which have undergone an intense process of oxidation.

  • Frostbitten olives (wet wood) : Characteristic flavour of oils extracted from olives which have been injured by frost while on the tree.

[F23.1.1. Other negative attributes U.K.
Heated or Burnt Characteristic flavour of oils caused by excessive and/or prolonged heating during processing, particularly when the paste is thermally mixed, if this is done under unsuitable thermal conditions.
Hay-wood Characteristic flavour of certain oils produced from olives that have dried out.
Rough Thick, pasty mouthfeel sensation produced by certain old oils.
Greasy Flavour of oil reminiscent of that of diesel oil, grease or mineral oil.
Vegetable water Flavour acquired by the oil as a result of prolonged contact with vegetable water which has undergone fermentation processes.
Brine Flavour of oil extracted from olives which have been preserved in brine.
Metallic Flavour that is reminiscent of metals. It is characteristic of oil which has been in prolonged contact with metallic surfaces during crushing, mixing, pressing or storage.
Esparto Characteristic flavour of oil obtained from olives pressed in new esparto mats. The flavour may differ depending on whether the mats are made of green esparto or dried esparto.
Grubby Flavour of oil obtained from olives which have been heavily attacked by the grubs of the olive fly ( Bactrocera oleae ).
Cucumber Flavour produced when an oil is hermetically packed for too long, particularly in tin containers, and which is attributed to the formation of 2,6 nonadienal.] ]