How do I interpret the “best by” date on Australian and European oils?
Australian olive oil producers are now obliged to put a ‘best by’ date on their olive oils. However, it is left up to the discretion of the producer to specify the date (except where they are participants in the voluntary industry code of practice – see below). Their decision is usually based on historical knowledge of the longevity of oils, as well as on reasonable commercial considerations. It is far better to select oils that clearly state the year, and preferably month, of production. Provided the oil has been properly stored, it should be more than fit for its intended use for at least 12 months. Incidentally, as European oils are bound the conventions of the International Olive Oil Council, they have different rules regarding ‘best by’ dates. These oils display ‘best by’ dates which are a maximum of two years after the date that the oil was packed – not made. Remember, this may or may not mean that the oil was extracted from the olive two years before the ‘best by’ date, as the o
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- How do I interpret the "best by" date on Australian and European oils?
