NSW DPI AgEnviro Labs gains 2022 IOC accreditation

The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) AgEnviro Labs team are heading into harvest 2022 with both a new name and increased testing credentials.

Formerly known as the NSW DPI Oil Testing Laboratory, the DPI’s AgEnviro Labs’ Oil Testing Service has again successfully received accreditation from the International Olive Council (IOC) for both organoleptic (sensory) and chemistry analysis of olive oil.

The IOC accreditation is valid from 1 December 2021 to 30 November 2022, and acknowledges the DPI AgEnviro Labs’ demonstrated testing abilities to the industry benchmarks adopted by the IOC. The laboratory currently has the only tasting panel in Australasia with IOC accreditation for the sensory analysis of olive oils.

Recognition of standards and methodologies

DPI AgEnviro Labs leader Belinda Taylor said the team is thrilled to have regained full IOC accreditation for its services.

“The IOC accreditation is recognition of the high standards and methods which DPI’s AgEnviro Labs’ Oil Testing Service adheres to,” she said.

“It provides Australasian olive oil producers access to an independent, local laboratory qualified internationally to determine extra virgin status or other grades of olive oils, and gives producers and growers confidence that the data extracted through the labs’ assessment is quality assured.

“We know that edible oils and olive fruit are unique products, with the quality influenced by a diverse range of factors including variety, fruit maturity, harvest time, processing technology, grove management, climate and storage conditions. Understanding the chemical profile of the olive oil or olive fruit determines the quality of the product, while organoleptic, or sensory, assessment ensures that oil meets the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) standard requirements.

“This is vital information for all producers in terms of truth-in-labelling, and crucial for those involved in the national OliveCare® certification program or wanting to enter their products in competitions.” About DPI AgEnviro Labs

NSW DPI AgEnviro Labs are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), the International Olive Council (IOC) and the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS), and certified by the Australasian Soil & Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC) and WaterChek.

The Labs’ Oil Testing Service is qualified to classify extra virgin and virgin olive oil status, against both the IOC standard and the Australian Standard AS5264-2011, and to determine if products meet export standards.

Analyses include near infrared (NIR), oil quality and adulteration testing, nutritional information and shelf-life prediction.

The service also carries out soil, water and plant nutrition testing, providing information to improve plant growth, tree health and grove production.

More information: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/labs.