Test Purchase advocates for harvest year on olive oil bottles: "Over time, oil loses its quality"

Testaankoop advocates for the inclusion of harvest year labels on olive oil bottles to help consumers assess quality. The term 'extra virgin' does not guarantee top quality, as olive oil deteriorates over time. Testing for 'extra virgin' status involves laboratory analysis and tasting by trained panels, which can introduce subjectivity. The organization emphasizes that knowing the harvest year would prevent mixing oils from different years and provide clarity on freshness. Proper storage conditions, such as keeping olive oil in dark glass bottles and below 25 degrees Celsius, are crucial for maintaining quality. Terms like 'classico' or 'mild' often indicate lower quality oils.