Why Tyrosol Derivatives Have to Be Quantified in the Calculation of “Olive Oil Polyphenols” Content to Support the Health Claim Provisioned in the EC Reg. 432/2012

Abstract

The viewpoint is the outcome of the scientific expertise of the scientists that sign it and work collaboratively in the frame of the OLEUM project. The project aims to better guarantee olive oil quality and authenticity by empowering detection and fostering prevention of olive oil fraud and by an effort of harmonization, correct interpretation, and use of official and supporting analytical methods. Practical Applications: The consensus among scientists, the European food authorities, IOC, and the olive industry on which compounds should be determined to support the health claim on olive oil polyphenols (EC Reg. 432/2012) is of utmost importance and can be supported by the evidence provided in this viewpoint article. The exact interpretation of this health claim involves the clarification of the compounds that should be summed up to give the amount of at least 5 mg phenols per 20 g of oil.