The bill, which went into effect on the first day of 2022, offers guidelines on how the word “California” is used in olive oil labels. Under the new law, if a bottle is labeled “California olive oil,” then 100% of the oil in the bottle must come from olives grown in the state (via California Legislative Information). If the label says the oil is from a specific region, then 85% of the olives must come from that region. If olive oil is supposed to come from an estate, then at least 95% of the olives used to make it must come from that location. Manufacturers who sell a blend of olives from other states must clearly state the percentage of California olives – with the same font size used to spell the word “California.” The law even prohibits owning, selling, manufacturing, or giving away imitation olive oil in the state.

The bill’s sponsor, Assembly Member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, said it aimed to protect consumers from mistakes. “The bill will ensure consumers know exactly what they are buying, and it will help support local farmers who produce world-class oils from olives grown here in our state,” she said. , adding that “our state’s name shouldn’t be used as a cynical marketing ploy to make it look like you’re buying something you’re not” (via Olive oil time).