U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) recently unveiled bipartisan legislation that would provide a uniform, enforceable standard of identity and grade standards for olive oil in America, which is one of the largest olive oil markets in the world.
“By establishing identity and grade standards, we can protect consumers from misleading labeling, promote transparency in the marketplace, and ensure a level playing field for our domestic olive oil producers,” Rep. Valadao said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan solution to bring long-overdue clarity and accountability to the olive oil market.”
The congressman on Dec. 16, 2025 cosponsored the Olive Oil Standards Act, H.R. 6747, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA) to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish clear identity and grade standards for olive oil to protect consumers from misleading labeling and producers from unfair global marketplace conditions.
The FDA also would be required to establish a national standard of identity for olive oil to clearly define what qualifies as each grade sold in the United States, and to create uniform grade standards for olive oil and olive-pomace oil, including extra virgin, virgin, refined, and other recognized categories.
Additionally, H.R. 6747 would require the FDA to report back to Congress within 120 days on actions taken to implement the new standards, according to the bill’s text.
“It’s past time to crack down on misleading products once and for all,” said Rep. Harder. “This common-sense bill gives shoppers the transparency they need to buy local and keep their families healthy.”
The American Olive Oil Producers Association supports H.R. 6747, which has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.