Application of Stable Isotope Ratios Analysis to the Characterization of the Geographical Origin of Olive Oils.

Abstract

An increasing interest is shown by consumers in knowing the geographical and/or varietal origin of foodstuffs they buy, like of the wine for instance, since such knowledge is regarded as an additional warranty of their quality, authenticity and typicality. The two regulations of the European Community n. 2081/91 and n. 2082/91 (Denomination of Protect Origin) have considered the expectations of consumers and especially that of producers regarding a better protection of virgin olive oils which, coming from areas particularly suitable for the olive growing, have peculiar characteristics from an organoleptic or compositional point of view.