Purpose

To safeguard IOON’s scientific integrity, methodological rigor, educational standards, and neutrality—ensuring that all initiatives, programs, and practices remain aligned with IOC frameworks, grounded in evidence, and relevant across the global olive oil value chain.

Scope & Governance

• An independent advisory body to IOON, composed of peer-nominated, vetted, and term-limited members, with no regulatory or adjudication role.

• Provides oversight of IOON’s scientific, educational, and methodological standards.

• Reviews and strengthens IOON curricula and methods, which reference established international frameworks (e.g., IOC, EU 2568/91, CDFA, AS 5264-2011, MFDS) to support harmonization and adoption—not to propose alternative rules.

• Conducts peer review and methodology oversight, issues evidence-based guidance, steers the development and benchmarking of educational and proficiency frameworks, and drives continuous improvement to stay ahead of emerging science, market needs, and policy landscapes.

Aims

• Advance high-quality, standards-aligned education across the olive oil value chain

• Increase market awareness, literacy, and responsible communication

• Promote the culinary, sensory, and cultural application of olive oil through interdisciplinary engagement

Composition

The Council is composed of internationally recognized leaders and academic experts, spanning:

• Sensory science and lipid chemistry

• ISO 17025–accredited laboratory practice and IOC-recognized sensory panels

• Gastronomy and culinary education

• Nutrition and health science

• Sustainability and biodiversity

• Retail, import, and consumer education

• Human experience design

• Oleotourism and hospitality

• Innovation across process, product, and digital transformation