Olive oil refill ban slips down the EC’s agenda

The European Commission has decided to tear up new rules on how restaurants should serve olive oil less than a week after unveiling them.

Last week, the EC said restaurants would be banned from serving oil to diners in refillable glass jugs or dipping bowls from next year. Instead, to protect consumers from fraud, restaurants would have to use sealed, non-refillable bottles that must be disposed of when empty.

Announcing the U-turn yesterday, EU farm commissioner Dacian Ciolos said it was clear that consumers did not support the plans. “I’ve decided to withdraw this proposal and not submit it for adoption,” Mr Ciolos said. “I’ve been very alive to the current debate in the press.”

Mr Ciolos said he would propose revised rules to protect olive oil producers and consumers after further consultations with manufacturers, consumer groups and the restaurant industry. Critics had wondered if implementing the ban might involve olive oil “police” circulating at night to check on restaurants. Some claimed the ban was more about protecting olive oil producing nations in southern Europe, namely Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal.