Insight into the European Union community trademarks olive oils traceability: The use of DNA markers as the most effective approach

Background: The high economic value of olive oil has prompted the European Union to support efforts to protect and valorise the olive oil industry through the introduction of designations of origin (PDO/PGI). Scope and approach: This review provides an overview of the European regulation on certified PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils highlighting the importance and the impact of these labels. It examines the main fraudulent practices affecting extra virgin olive oil and the methods of analysis used to detect frauds, with a particular focus on DNA-based methods for varietal and sometimes, geographical identification. Moreover, an in-depth study was carried out on the varieties authorized in PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils in Europe, addressing the issue of synonyms and the availability of SSR marker profiles. Finally, the data collected were used for the detection of private alleles. Key findings and conclusions: All the data and the information collected represent a useful and reliable tool for the varietal traceability and authentication of European PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oils.