olive oilA common observation in many restaurants is customers holding small bowls containing olive oil. However, this may not go on for long because the European Union is considering banning such olive oil dishes. Starting from next January, all restaurants will be required to replace the little bowls with bottles. The bottles will have a nozzle that is tamper-proof, as well as have a label approved by the European Union. Reports indicate that the major aim of this law is protecting consumers and improving hygiene. Olive oil in bowls is subject to contamination, and that’s why the Union is insisting on having the oil in bottles.

The general public and restaurateurs feel that the law is ridiculous and do not support it. They clearly do not understand or see the rationale behind implementing such a law. According to one restaurateur, trust is the basis of the contract between a customer and his or her preferred restaurant. For example, it is not necessary to show customers the flour pack that was used to make bread. This is because the customers trust the restaurant and believe that the food they are served is safe and clean. Small producers of olive oil feel that the law will affect their business. According to them, the law is likely to favor mass production of olive oil of low grade.

Some feel that the law might actually not work unless officials decide to have a door-to-door checking of restaurants across the nation. The law may only work from a theoretical perspective. It will work if local authorities show dedication toward routine inspection of restaurants to make sure that they stick to the rules. Many wish and hope that the law will be dropped quietly.