FDA: Harder Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fast-Track Product Standards for Olive Growers and Producers

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced bipartisan legislation to better support olive growers and producers by pushing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast-track approval of long-overdue standards of olive oil varieties. Led with Rep. David Valadao (CA-22), the bipartisan Olive Oil Standards Act would require the FDA to create the first-ever standard of identity (SOI) for olive oil products.

The U.S. consumes a lot of olive oil – 381,000 tons in 2022 – and locally olive production is the fourth largest fruit commodity in San Joaquin County. However, there is a wide variety of olive oil types, and mislabeling of products makes it incredibly difficult for healthy, high-quality extra-virgin products to break out from fraudulent alternatives. Significant delays at the FDA in processing requests for a uniform grading standard have made this problem much worse. 

“We already have the best olives grown right here in our own backyard, but Valley products are being crowded out in the grocery aisle by fake and fraudulent products. That hurts local businesses and shoppers,” said Rep. Harder. “It’s past time to crack down on misleading products once and for all. This common sense bill gives shoppers the transparency they need to buy local and keep their families healthy.”

How the Olive Oil Standards Act protects Valley communities: 

• Clear Labels – Mandatory labeling to distinguish authentic virgin and extra virgin products from refined and crude alternatives.
• No Frauds – Enforcement against misleading or fraudulent products intended to deceive consumers.
• Healthier Options – Increased transparency for shoppers who want to be able to make science-based, informed decisions for feeding their family.

“The Central Valley is one of the nation’s leading regions for olive oil production, and as demand grows, it’s important industry standards can keep up,” said Congressman Valadao. “By establishing identity and grade standards, we can protect consumers from misleading labeling, promote transparency in the marketplace, and ensure a level playing field for our domestic olive oil producers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan solution to bring long-overdue clarity and accountability to the olive oil market.”

“This legislation is a win for U.S. olive oil consumers and farmers,” said Kimberly Houlding, President and CEO of the American Olive Oil Producers Association. “When enacted, it will ensure that what is on the label is in the bottle and that the health benefits and value of extra virgin olive oil are preserved for all.”

Harder has made supporting Valley agriculture communities a top priority. Harder secured language in this year’s government funding legislation to require the FDA to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expedite past efforts to establish an olive oil SOI, as well as report to Congress on progress made. Harder is also leading bipartisan legislation to expand transparency in canned goods.

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