Floverd and Infused Oils

In recent years, olive oils have been mixed with numerous seasonings and flavors. From garlic to lemons, you name it, and someone has put it in olive oil. Whereas these oils certainly have unique tastes, they take away from the rich, complex flavors that exist in high quality oil itself.

Are these oils still even olive oil once they have been infused? The official response from the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC), which was obtained from Mr. Ahmed Touzani (Executive Director, a.i., IOOC, Madrid), states that:

“Flavoured oils are considered seasonings; in no case may their labelling call the product “olive oil or virgin olive oil flavoured with…”. Such products may go by the retail name of “seasoning made from olive oil and flavourings, spices or herbs” and the list of ingredients may state the category of olive oil and flavouring according to the Codex general standard for labelling of prepackaged foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985, Rev. 1-1991, amended in 2001).”

Although these standards are often not followed in the United States, we believe that they hold some validity. Under the Tuscan Sun will simply seek to offer the highest quality, natural extra virgin olive oil, untampered with by any flavors that do not naturally occur in the oil.