Thank you for raising an interesting subject.

The rules of the IOOC state that EVOO must not be altered or adulterated so
adding flavours should mean that an oil cannot be labelled EVOO, and any
producer in any country that is a member of the IOOC must abide by these
rules. However, it is quite clear that this rule is widely ignored.

I produce EVOO and then infuse herbs and garlic flavours to one of my oils.
This oil in its own right would qualify as EVOO, but it is boring and does
not sell as it was picked too ripe. I infuse the herbs and garlic and label
this as "EVOO infused with herbs and garlic". So far as I am aware I am not
breaking any labelling laws in Australia (I have only a couple of hundred
litres of the crook oil so it isn't going to be exported) by this labelling.

I understand that under the IOOC regulations this is wrong, but the oil is
EVOO until I add the herbs and garlic, and I don't see why I shouldn't be
allowed to label it the way I do?

I assume that you are in Turkey and that you want to do the right thing, and
as Turkey is an IOOC member you should abide by the rules, but if the
Spanish and Italians ignore the rules, why shouldn't you? What use are rules
if they are not policed and enforced? Australia is not a signatory to the
IOOC and there are many in our olive oil producing community that do not see
any value in joining.

I look forward to the views of other producers and countries.

Regards and best wishes,

Mike Wilson
Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia.